“ if you have virtue, be not utterly useless in life ”
Plutarch, Moralia (c. 100 AD). copy citation
Author | Plutarch |
---|---|
Source | Moralia |
Topic | virtue life |
Date | c. 100 AD |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by Arthur Richard Shilleto |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23639/23639-h/23639-h.htm |
Context
“a villainous ring, as though one had broken open graves? Is your life so disgraceful that we must all be ignorant of it? For my part I should say, Even if your life be bad do not live unknown, but be known, reform, repent; if you have virtue, be not utterly useless in life; if you are vicious, do not continue unreformed. Point out then and define to whom you recommend this precept. If to an ignorant or wicked or senseless person, you resemble one who should say to a person in a fever or delirium, "Be unknown.”
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