“ but madness only could induce one who needs nothing and is satisfied with everything to quit a life he is accustomed to ”
Plutarch, Parallel Lives (c. 100 AD). copy citation
Author | Plutarch |
---|---|
Source | Parallel Lives |
Topic | madness life |
Date | c. 100 AD |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | Translated by A. H. Clough |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/674/674-h/674-h.htm |
Context
“but, contrary to their expectation, they found that they had to use many reasons and entreaties to induce one, that lived in peace and quietness, to accept the government of a city whose foundation and increase had been made, in a manner, in war. In presence of his father and his kinsman Marcius, he returned answer that "Every alteration of a man's life is dangerous to him; but madness only could induce one who needs nothing and is satisfied with everything to quit a life he is accustomed to; which, whatever else it is deficient in, at any rate has the advantage of certainty over one wholly doubtful and unknown. Though, indeed, the difficulties of this government cannot even be called unknown;”
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