Plutarch was a prominent Greek philosopher, biographer, and essayist who lived during the first and second centuries AD. He was born around AD 46 in the small town of Chaeronea in the region of Boeotia, Greece, and died around AD 120. Plutarch is best known for his parallel biographies of famous Greek and Roman figures, collectively known as the Parallel Lives, and his moral essays compiled under the title Moralia.
Early Life and Education
Plutarch came from a well-to-do family that provided him with a comprehensive education in philosophy, rhetoric, and mathematics. He studied in Athens, where he became a student of the philosopher Ammonius. His education was deeply rooted in Greek tradition, but he was also heavily influenced by Roman culture and philosophy, which is reflected in his works.
Career and Influence
After completing his education, Plutarch traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, visiting places like Alexandria and Rome. In Rome, he became a well-known intellectual figure, giving lectures on philosophy and ethics. Although he spent much time in Rome and had a deep appreciation for Roman culture, he never lost his Greek identity, and he remained proud of his Greek heritage.
Plutarch’s philosophical outlook was heavily influenced by Platonism, and he was an advocate of practical ethics. His works reflect his belief in the importance of moral character and virtue in public and private life.
Parallel Lives
Plutarch’s most famous work is Parallel Lives, a series of biographies that compare the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, such as Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar, and Demosthenes with Cicero. These biographies are not just historical accounts but are also moral studies, emphasizing the virtues and vices of these figures. Parallel Lives became a major influence on later Western literature and philosophy, particularly during the Renaissance. Writers like Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Emerson drew heavily from Plutarch’s work.
Moralia
Another significant contribution by Plutarch is his collection of essays and speeches known as Moralia. This work encompasses a wide range of topics, including religion, ethics, politics, and literature. The Moralia provides insight into Plutarch’s thoughts on various aspects of life, offering moral guidance and philosophical reflection.
Later Life
In his later years, Plutarch returned to Chaeronea, where he served as a priest of Apollo at the Temple of Delphi. Despite his active participation in Roman public life, he remained deeply connected to his hometown and its local traditions. He also served as a magistrate in Chaeronea and played a role in its civic life.
Plutarch was married and had at least five children, some of whom he outlived. He wrote a touching essay titled “Consolation to His Wife” after the death of one of their children, which provides insight into his personal life and his stoic approach to grief.
Legacy
Plutarch’s works have had a profound and lasting impact on both classical and modern thought. His biographies in Parallel Lives are considered among the most important sources of information about the lives of notable figures from antiquity. His moral essays in Moralia continue to be studied for their ethical insights.
Plutarch’s influence extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping the intellectual landscape of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. His works were translated into many languages and have been continuously read and respected for their wisdom and insight into human nature.
Plutarch’s legacy endures as one of the most important moral philosophers and biographers of antiquity, and his works remain a significant part of Western literary and philosophical tradition.