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
I wanted to write a commentary on the Bible, to write about the Talmud, about celebration, about the great eternal subjects: love and happiness.
If Ireland is to become a new Ireland she must first become European.
A secret, if it's kept, can be sweet and comforting, but once it leaks out it can turn on you with a vengeance.
I like to live my life so that my loved ones give me the things I need as gifts and I give them the things they need. Frankly a society built around consumerism is hell
The opposite of every truth is just as true.
Never again will you be capable of ordinary human feeling. Everything will be dead inside you. Never again will you be capable of love, or friendship, or joy of living, or laughter, or curiosity, or courage, or integrity. You will be hollow. We shall squeeze you empty and then we shall fill you with ourselves.
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