Plutarch, a Greek writer, philosopher, and biographer of the 1st century AD, is celebrated for his timeless contributions to literature and philosophy. His works, especially the Parallel Lives and Moralia, offer invaluable insight into the lives of ancient figures and tackle ethical, philosophical, and practical issues that resonate to this day. Through Plutarch’s unique approach to history and ethics, his works provide guidance on virtue, leadership, and personal growth.
In this post, we’ll explore some of Plutarch’s major works and the themes that make his writings influential across cultures and centuries.
Parallel Lives: Biographies with a Moral Compass
One of Plutarch’s most famous contributions to literature is his Parallel Lives, a collection of biographies that pairs the lives of notable Greeks and Romans to highlight their virtues, vices, and moral struggles. Rather than writing traditional historical accounts, Plutarch’s focus in Parallel Lives was on ethical character and personal qualities. By comparing these figures, he sought to illustrate how leaders in different cultures confronted similar moral dilemmas, providing his readers with models of both good and bad behavior.
Some of the famous pairings in Parallel Lives include:
- Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar: This pairing illustrates ambition and the complexity of wielding power.
- Lycurgus and Numa Pompilius: Plutarch contrasts these lawgivers—Lycurgus of Sparta and Numa of Rome—who shaped their cities with a focus on discipline and justice.
- Demosthenes and Cicero: This pairing explores the lives of two famous orators, highlighting their rhetorical prowess and dedication to their respective states.
Through these pairings, Plutarch delves into issues of leadership, integrity, and the ways in which personal virtues (or flaws) influence both individual and collective destinies. Parallel Lives became a foundational work for biography and history and served as a model for Renaissance writers and thinkers, who were deeply influenced by Plutarch’s attention to ethical lessons.
Moralia: Essays on Virtue, Practical Wisdom, and Everyday Life
Another major work of Plutarch, the Moralia, is a collection of essays and dialogues that spans a wide range of subjects, from philosophy and religion to ethics and politics. While Parallel Lives focused on specific historical figures, the Moralia offers readers a window into Plutarch’s philosophical musings on everyday questions and moral challenges. Some of the most famous essays in Moralia include:
- “On the Education of Children”: This essay addresses the role of moral and intellectual training in shaping a virtuous character, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, role models, and intellectual growth from an early age.
- “On the Delays of the Divine Vengeance”: Plutarch grapples with the problem of evil, exploring why justice isn’t always immediately served, and why the gods might delay punishment. The essay reflects Plutarch’s view on the moral fabric of the universe and the consequences of one’s actions.
- “On the Control of Anger”: In this practical piece, Plutarch discusses the nature of anger and offers guidance on how to control it, providing a timeless guide to self-mastery and emotional discipline.
Moralia was widely respected by thinkers in the early Christian and medieval worlds and remains a rich source for readers interested in ethics, virtue, and classical thought.
Plutarch’s Influence on Renaissance Thinkers and Beyond
Plutarch’s works experienced a renaissance of their own in the 16th century, as writers and philosophers sought guidance from the classical world. Figures such as Michel de Montaigne, William Shakespeare, and Francis Bacon drew inspiration from Plutarch’s approach to biography and ethical inquiry. Shakespeare, for instance, leaned heavily on Parallel Lives in writing his Roman plays, such as Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra, where he emulated Plutarch’s nuanced portrayals of powerful figures and moral conflicts.
Likewise, Montaigne’s Essays often echo the themes found in Moralia, particularly in the exploration of personal virtues, morality, and the human psyche. Plutarch’s emphasis on ethics over pure historical narrative resonated with Renaissance thinkers who were captivated by questions of virtue, civic duty, and individual character.
Plutarch’s Enduring Legacy
Plutarch’s works, whether in the form of biographies or essays, bridge history and philosophy, providing readers with a lens through which to view ancient figures not just as historical actors but as complex individuals grappling with timeless moral challenges. His writing reveals his belief in the power of storytelling to foster personal growth and understanding, aiming not merely to inform but to inspire.
In both Parallel Lives and Moralia, Plutarch’s wisdom transcends time, making him one of the great moral thinkers of the ancient world. His works remain a testament to the importance of examining lives—whether of historical figures or our own—to find lessons in virtue, wisdom, and humanity. Today, Plutarch’s writings continue to invite readers to reflect on the virtues and flaws that shape individuals and societies alike, underscoring the timeless relevance of his philosophy.
Cross College 
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