Quote of the day by Greek philosopher Plutarch: 'To make no mistakes is not in the power of man....'

Plutarch emerged as one of antiquity’s most versatile thinkers, bridging the cultural worlds of Greece and Rome. A philosopher aligned with the Middle Platonist tradition, he was also a historian, biographer, moralist, and a religious functionary associated with the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. His enduring reputation rests largely on two monumental works: Parallel Lives, a collection that paired the life stories of distinguished Greek and Roman leaders to draw moral comparisons, and Moralia, an expansive compilation of essays and orations exploring ethics, religion, and philosophy.

Among his most celebrated reflections is the line: “To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.” This statement captures his lifelong emphasis on moral growth and the educational value of human imperfection.

Plutarch pursued advanced studies in mathematics and philosophy in Athens under the guidance of Ammonius around AD 66–67. During this formative period, he witnessed the Pythian Games at Delphi, where Emperor Nero famously competed. It is likely that he encountered influential Roman figures during these years, possibly including the future emperor Vespasian.

Roman Connections and Citizenship

At some stage in his career, Plutarch was granted Roman citizenship. His patron was Lucius Mestrius Florus, a supporter of Vespasian. Upon receiving citizenship, he adopted the Roman name Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus, a sign of his new legal and social standing. As a Roman citizen, he would have belonged to the equestrian class.

Around AD 70, Plutarch traveled to Rome alongside Florus. During this visit, he cultivated relationships with prominent Roman aristocrats, including Quintus Sosius Senecio, Titus Avidius Quietus, and Arulenus Rusticus. These associations significantly influenced his writings, as several of these figures appear within his biographical works. Florus himself later served as a historical informant for Plutarch’s account of Otho.

Service at Delphi and Civic Responsibilities

Although he maintained strong ties to Rome, Plutarch spent much of his life in his hometown of Chaeronea. Deeply devoted to Greek religious traditions, he was initiated into sacred rites dedicated to Apollo and likely participated in the Eleusinian Mysteries.

During a period when Delphi’s prestige had waned compared to its classical zenith, Plutarch played a key role in its revival. Around AD 95, he was appointed one of the two principal priests of Apollo’s temple at Delphi. This era saw renewed construction activity in the sanctuary, supported by Greek benefactors and possibly imperial contributions. In recognition of his efforts to restore the sacred site, the citizens of Delphi and Chaeronea dedicated a sculpted likeness in his honor. A surviving portrait bust, dated to the second century and bearing an inscription, was once identified as Plutarch. It depicts a bearded thinker with deeply set eyes and a contemplative expression.

Beyond his religious duties, Plutarch served as a magistrate in Chaeronea and represented his city on diplomatic missions. He held the office of archon, likely on multiple occasions. Additionally, he acted as epimeletes, or administrator, of the Amphictyonic League for several terms between 107 and 127, overseeing the organization of the Pythian Games.

Final Years and Death

Later traditions suggest that Emperor Trajan appointed him procurator of Illyria, though modern historians generally question this claim. Another account, from George Syncellus, maintains that Emperor Hadrian granted him an honorary procuratorship of Achaea, conferring the ceremonial privileges of a consul.

The precise year of Plutarch’s death remains uncertain. Scholarly estimates vary, placing it sometime after 119, likely in the early decades of the second century. Regardless of the exact date, his intellectual legacy endured, shaping moral philosophy and biographical writing for centuries to come.