Plutarch’s Parallel Lives stands as one of the great works of classical literature and moral philosophy. Written in the late 1st and early 2nd century CE, the collection pairs the biographies of notable Greek and Roman figures, offering not only accounts of their lives but also a reflection on character, leadership, and morality.
Each pair—such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, or Lycurgus and Numa—highlights parallels and contrasts, showing how individuals from different cultures shaped their societies and left legacies that continue to inspire. Beyond the historical details, Plutarch sought to teach moral lessons: virtue and vice are displayed in sharp relief, and the consequences of ambition, courage, corruption, and wisdom are laid bare.
The Lives became a cornerstone of Renaissance humanism and influenced thinkers such as Montaigne and Shakespeare, who drew heavily on Plutarch’s accounts for his Roman plays. They remain a vital source for understanding the ancient world, and a treasury of human character studies that are as relevant today as when they were first written.
For readers of philosophy, history, or biography, Plutarch’s Parallel Lives offers both timeless storytelling and profound ethical insights. Download the free PDF e-book here (620 pages):
Parallel Lives by Plutarch
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