It is the admirer of himself, and not the admirer of virtue, that thinks himself superior to others

It is the admirer of himself, and not the admirer of virtue, that thinks himself superior to others

Plutarch, the ancient Greek philosopher and biographer, is known for his insightful observations on human nature and morality. One of his most famous quotes is, “It is the admirer of himself, and not the admirer of virtue, that thinks himself superior to others.” This statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about human behavior and the nature of true virtue.

Plutarch believed that true virtue lies in humility and selflessness, rather than in self-aggrandizement and pride. He argued that those who are truly virtuous do not seek recognition or praise for their actions, but instead act out of a genuine desire to do good and help others. In contrast, those who are only concerned with their own image and reputation are not truly virtuous, as their actions are motivated by selfishness rather than a genuine concern for others.

The admirer of himself, according to Plutarch, is someone who is preoccupied with their own appearance, status, and reputation. They are more concerned with how they are perceived by others than with actually doing good or living a virtuous life. This type of person is often arrogant, self-centered, and lacking in empathy for others. They believe that they are superior to others simply because of their own perceived greatness, rather than because of any true moral or ethical qualities.