Fortune had favoured me in this war that I feared, the rather, that some tempest would follow so favourable a gale

Fortune had favoured me in this war that I feared, the rather, that some tempest would follow so favourable a gale

In the context of Plutarch, the quote "Fortune had favoured me in this war that I feared, the rather, that some tempest would follow so favourable a gale" speaks to the unpredictable nature of fate and the fear of impending downfall even in times of success. Plutarch, a Greek historian and biographer, often explored the themes of fate, fortune, and the capriciousness of life in his works.

Plutarch believed that fortune played a significant role in the lives of individuals, shaping their destinies and determining their successes and failures. In his famous work "Parallel Lives," Plutarch compared the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, highlighting the role of fortune in their achievements and downfalls. He believed that even the most powerful and successful individuals were subject to the whims of fate, and that no one could escape its influence.

The quote "Fortune had favoured me in this war that I feared, the rather, that some tempest would follow so favourable a gale" reflects Plutarch's understanding of the precariousness of success. In times of victory and prosperity, there is always the fear that fortune will turn against you and bring about a downfall. The idea of a tempest following a favourable gale suggests that even in moments of triumph, there is always the possibility of disaster looming on the horizon.

Plutarch's writings often explored the concept of hubris, or excessive pride, and its role in bringing about the downfall of great men. He believed that those who became too confident in their own abilities and successes were often brought low by the capriciousness of fortune. The quote can be seen as a warning against complacency and overconfidence, reminding us that even in times of success, we must remain vigilant and humble in the face of the uncertainties of fate.

Overall, the quote "Fortune had favoured me in this war that I feared, the rather, that some tempest would follow so favourable a gale" encapsulates Plutarch's belief in the unpredictability of life and the need to remain humble and cautious in the face of success. It serves as a reminder that fortune can change in an instant, and that even the most favourable circumstances can be followed by unexpected challenges and setbacks.