Plutarch: His Life, Works, and Lasting Influence
Explore Plutarch's life, his philosophical insights, and his enduring impact on literature and humanism.
Plutarch, a prominent figure from the first century CE, made significant contributions to literature and philosophy. His works continue to resonate due to their insights into human nature and moral questions.
Early Life and Education
Plutarch was born around 46 CE in Chaeronea, Boeotia, Greece, a town with historical significance due to pivotal battles. This environment likely instilled in him an appreciation for history, which would later influence his writings.
His family was well-established, allowing him to pursue a comprehensive education. Plutarch’s early education focused on Greek literature and philosophy, esteemed subjects in his culture. He studied in Athens under Ammonius, a respected philosopher, which exposed him to diverse philosophical doctrines and debates. This period was transformative, shaping his interest in ethics and moral philosophy, central themes in his later works. His exposure to Plato and other philosophers provided a framework to explore complex moral questions.
Philosophical Influences
Plutarch’s philosophical journey was influenced by Stoicism and Platonism. Stoicism, with its emphasis on virtue, self-control, and rational living, aligned with Plutarch’s ethical inquiries. The Stoic belief in aligning life with nature and reason informed his moral writings.
Platonism, particularly its metaphysical and epistemological aspects, also inspired Plutarch. Plato’s dialogues on reality and knowledge provided a framework to examine the human condition. He was drawn to the Platonic ideas of the soul’s immortality and the pursuit of higher truths, which pervade his works.
Plutarch’s intellectual environment was also shaped by Middle Platonism, which synthesized elements of Platonism with other Hellenistic philosophies. This synthesis is evident in his writings, where he blends different philosophical ideas to address moral and ethical issues.
Role as a Priest at Delphi
Plutarch’s role as a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi was significant, intertwining his philosophical pursuits with religious duties. Delphi was a revered spiritual center, known for its oracle and cultural significance. As a priest, Plutarch maintained the sanctity of this site, engaging with the spiritual and intellectual elite of his time.
His role was not merely ceremonial; it allowed him to interact with pilgrims, dignitaries, and scholars, enriching his intellectual endeavors. Serving at such an institution reinforced his interest in the intersection of religion, ethics, and philosophy. Observing the interplay between divine prophecy and human decision-making deepened his appreciation for human nature and destiny, themes he explored in his philosophical treatises.
Plutarch’s Writings
Plutarch’s literary corpus encompasses a wide range of subjects from ethics to history, divided into two major collections: the “Moralia” and the “Parallel Lives.”
Moralia
The “Moralia” is a compilation of essays and dialogues on ethical, religious, and philosophical topics. It reflects Plutarch’s interest in moral philosophy and his exploration of virtues and vices. The essays cover subjects like love, friendship, leadership, and superstition, providing practical guidance for living a virtuous life. His approach blends anecdotal evidence with philosophical reasoning, making the “Moralia” accessible and thought-provoking. Its enduring appeal lies in addressing timeless questions about human conduct and the pursuit of the good life.
Parallel Lives
The “Parallel Lives” is Plutarch’s most celebrated work, consisting of biographies of notable Greek and Roman figures. Each pair draws moral and ethical comparisons, highlighting virtues and flaws. Plutarch’s intention was to offer insights into character and motivations, providing lessons in leadership and morality. The “Parallel Lives” combines historical fact with interpretative commentary, engaging readers with the past. This work has influenced the genre of biography, impacting writers from the Renaissance to the present day. Through these biographies, Plutarch invites reflection on human nature and historical exemplars.
Impact on Renaissance Humanism
Plutarch’s influence is evident in the Renaissance, where scholars and artists revived classical antiquity’s wisdom. His works, especially the “Parallel Lives,” offered insights into the moral and civic virtues of ancient figures, guiding personal and political conduct.
Translations into vernacular languages, notably by Jacques Amyot into French and Sir Thomas North into English, amplified his impact. These translations made his ideas accessible to a broader audience, including writers like William Shakespeare, who drew inspiration from Plutarch’s biographies for plays like “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra.” The emphasis on character development and moral introspection in these plays reflects Plutarch’s legacy.
Plutarch’s exploration of character and virtue harmonized with Renaissance humanism’s emphasis on individual potential and moral development. His works encouraged a holistic understanding of human experience, blending historical narrative with philosophical inquiry. This approach resonated with humanists who sought wisdom and virtue by studying exemplary lives, fostering a culture of learning that valued intellectual rigor and moral contemplation.
Legacy in Modern Literature
Plutarch’s legacy extends beyond the Renaissance, influencing modern literature and thought. His exploration of character and morality continues to inspire writers and scholars seeking to understand human behavior. By presenting historical figures as complex individuals, Plutarch set the stage for nuanced character studies in literature.
His influence is seen in the works of novelists and playwrights exploring moral dilemmas and the human condition. Authors like Michel de Montaigne and Ralph Waldo Emerson admired Plutarch’s ability to weave historical narrative with philosophical reflection, incorporating his techniques into their essays on human nature. These writers found in Plutarch a source of wisdom that transcends time, offering insights into personal and societal ethics.
In contemporary literature, Plutarch’s approach to biography and moral inquiry continues to resonate. His ability to illuminate the human experience through historical figures provides a framework for examining moral questions. Engaging with Plutarch’s works allows modern audiences to explore character and virtue, gaining a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our world.