It is not the most distinguished achievements that men's virtues or vices may be best discovered; but very often an action of small note. An casual remark or joke shall distinguish a person's real character more than the greatest sieges, or the most important battles.
Interpretation
True character is often revealed in small, everyday actions rather than through significant achievements.
This quote by Plutarch emphasizes that a person's true character is more accurately assessed through their everyday behaviors and seemingly insignificant actions, rather than through grand accomplishments or notable achievements. It suggests that the small, often overlooked moments, such as a casual comment or a lighthearted joke, can reveal deeper truths about an individual's virtues and vices, making them more telling than historical milestones like battles or sieges.
In practice
In a speech about integrity, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of small actions in demonstrating true character.
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.
Come back with your shield - or on it
The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.
Our senses through ignorance of Reality, falsely tell us that what appears to be, is. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
This non-proletarianised plebs has been racialist when it has been colonialist; it has been nationalist - chauvinist - when it has been armed; and it has been fascist when it has become the police force.These ideological effects on the plebs have been uncontestable and profound.
The wind shows us how close to the edge we are.
Time in dreams is frozen. You can never get away from where you've been.
Each minute of life should be a divine quest.
OH, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat; But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, tho’ they come from the ends of the earth!
If you're going to have a story, have a big story, or none at all.
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