HOW TO PROFIT BY ONE'S ENEMIES - Plutarch E-Book

Plutarch

• Herausgeber: Lebooks Editora
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 35

Beschreibung

Plutarch (46-119) was a Greek philosopher, historian, and biographer. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the Academy of Athens, the same institution studied by Plato, and dedicated himself to politics, achieving high public offices. Plutarch wrote hundreds of texts, among them Parallel Lives, which consists of a collection of 64 biographies of prominent Greek and Roman figures. His work, "How to Profit from Your Enemies," teaches us that although they may harm us, our enemies can also aid in our personal and moral development. Plutarch, drawing from other thinkers such as Xenophon and Diogenes, demonstrates that the emotions stirred by them can be excellent motivators for decision-making when used correctly. Written in the first century of the Christian Era, "How to Profit from Your Enemies" remains entirely relevant, as in an increasingly competitive world, knowing how to benefit from adverse situations can be the difference between success and failure.

Leseprobe

Plutarch

HOW TO PROFIT BY ONE’S ENEMIES

Contents

INTRODUCTION

HOW TO PROFIT BY ONE’S ENEMIES

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INTRODUCTION

Plutarch

(46 AC- 119 AC)

Plutarch was a Greek philosopher and biographer born in the city of Chaeronea. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the Academy of Athens (the same studied by Plato), where he was under the tutelage of Ammonius and later decided to enter politics, attaining high public offices.

After numerous travels throughout Greece and the Mediterranean, Plutarch decided to obtain Roman citizenship and began teaching philosophy in Rome during the reign of Domitian, with the future Roman emperor Trajan among his students.

Plutarch wrote over 200 books, the vast majority of which have survived to this day in complete versions. The wide range of subjects covered includes essays on the works of Plato, rhetoric, and religion, as well as comparisons between the intelligence of animals and humans. His most notable work was "Parallel Lives," which consists of a collection of 64 biographies of Greek and Roman figures, including legendary characters such as Alexander and Caesar, Demosthenes and Cicero, Pericles and Fabius Maximus, among others. Plutarch is one of the greatest Greek philosophers, and his works are of paramount importance for a better understanding of classical culture, politics, and philosophy.

Regarding the work:

Despite the title, which may suggest something dishonest or vile, "How to Profit from Your Enemies" aims to show that, although they may harm us, our enemies can also assist us in our personal and moral development.

In the work, Plutarch frequently references other thinkers like Xenophon: "It is characteristic of a prudent man to profit from his enemies," and Diogenes to support the central thesis of the work.

In his essay, the author reflects on the importance of the enemy for personal development. The feelings aroused by them can be excellent catalysts for decision-making when used correctly.

"The envy of our enemies is a counterbalance to our negligence," and "Furthermore, we revenge ourselves usefully on an enemy by afflicting them with our moral improvement" are lessons that everyone seeking personal development should learn.

Written in the first century of the Christian Era, "How to Profit from Your Enemies" is a fully relevant work, as in an increasingly competitive world, knowing how to profit from bad situations can be the difference between success and failure.

Other works by Plutarch:

Parallel Lives: Biographies of Greek and Roman emperors.

HOW TO PROFIT BY ONE’S ENEMIES

Plutarch observes that enmity and ill-will are ever present among men, and that even friends will fall into quarrels. [1] Not to mention, Cornelius Pulcher, your gentle as well as skillful administration of public affairs, for which goodness and humanity you have gotten an interest in mankind, we clearly perceive that in your private conversation you have made a quiet and peaceable way of living your choice and continual practice. By this means you are justly esteemed a useful member of the commonwealth in general, and also a friendly affable companion to those who familiarly converse with you, as being a person free from all sour, rough, and peevish humors. For, as it is said of Crete, we may by great chance discover one single region of the world that never afforded any dens or coverts for wild beasts. But through the long succession of ages, even to this time, there scarce ever was a state or kingdom that hath not suffered under envy, hatred, emulation{1}