Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarchi Chaeronensis Moralia, Vol V. Vernardakēs, Grēgorios N., editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1893.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is an ethical and political treatise discussing the significance and benefit of philosophers actively engaging with powerful men and rulers. The author argues that the true purpose of philosophy is not merely to seek individual tranquility in isolation, but to spread virtue and public benefit throughout society. It explains that both inner reason and spoken reason aim to establish friendship among people, and presents the correct attitude of a wise man toward fame in his relations with politicians. Furthermore, instructing a ruler is described not just as helping an individual, but as a public endeavor that refines the entire constitution and benefits all citizens. In conclusion, the philosopher finds the greatest joy when their teachings are engraved upon the ruler's soul and manifest as law for the state.