The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.
Interpretation
Both leadership tasks and everyday activities require intelligence and planning.
This quote by Plutarch highlights that the same level of intelligence is needed for vastly different tasks, whether it is leading an army in battle or organizing a dinner. It suggests that in both cases, attention to detail, strategy, and consideration of the participants' experiences are crucial, illustrating the versatility of intelligence in various aspects of life.
In practice
During a leadership workshop, you might use this quote to illustrate the various forms of leadership.
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
Beware of greed and remain pure and just. Restrain yourself from every vice. He who cannot restrain himself, how will he be able to teach others restraint?
I am not someone who is ashamed of my past. I'm actually really proud. I know I made a lot of mistakes, but they in turn were my life lessons.
The knowledge of all things is possible
I believe that we have been doing this not primarily to achieve riches or even honour, but rather because we were interested in the work, enjoyed doing it and felt very strongly that it was worthwhile.
Your current conditions are echoes of your past choices.
Ignorance is not too dangerous. If you combine it with power, then this is a toxic mix.
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