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.
PlutarchRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small actions often reveal true character more than heroic deeds.
This quote by Plutarch emphasizes that it is the seemingly minor actions and incidents in life that genuinely reflect a person's character. Just as portrait painters focus on the facial features that express the soul, our everyday behaviors and choices provide deeper insights into who we truly are, beyond grand accomplishments.
Themes
CharacterActionsIncidentsPortraitSoul
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about personal integrity during a leadership seminar.
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I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.
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