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
The Right insists that anyone can escape poverty by working hard but that is simply not the case.
Haven’t you heard of the music of the spheres?” asked the dragon. “It’s the music that space makes to itself. All the spirits inside all the stars are singing. I’m a star spirit. I sing too. The music of the spheres is what makes space so peaceful.
Certainly one of the most enthralling things about human life is the recognition that we live in what, for practical purposes, is a universe without bounds.
People must not be forced to adopt me as their favourite author, even for their own good.
The religious persecution of the ages has been done under what was claimed to be the command of God.
Even after the Truth has been realised, there remains that strong, obstinate impression that one is still an ego - the agent and experiencer. This has to be carefully removed by living in a state of constant identification with the supreme non-dual Self. Full Awakening is the eventual ceasing of all the mental impressions of being an ego.
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