Of Brotherly Love

Of Brotherly Love by Plutarch (1898)

"Of Brotherly Love" by Plutarch is a moral essay that explores the virtues and importance of fraternal affection. Plutarch uses the mythological figures Castor and Pollux as symbols of ideal brotherly love, emphasizing unity and mutual support. He dedicates the discourse to Nigrinus and Quintus, suggesting that they exemplify the principles he discusses. Plutarch argues that nature provides examples of duality for mutual benefit, such as hands and eyes, to illustrate that brothers are meant to support each other rather than engage in discord. He criticizes the rarity of brotherly love in his time, contrasting it with the abundance of brotherly hatred in ancient tragedies. He suggests that harmonious relationships among brothers lead to familial prosperity and societal harmony, while discord invites negative influences and weakens familial bonds. The essay advises brothers to avoid envy and competition, especially concerning inheritance and parental affection. Plutarch emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and resolving conflicts amicably. He suggests that brothers should share responsibilities and support each other's endeavors, highlighting examples from history and mythology where brotherly cooperation led to success and happiness. Plutarch also addresses the role of parents in fostering brotherly love, suggesting that they should encourage harmony among their children. He warns against the influence of external parties who may sow discord and advises brothers to communicate openly and resolve differences through mutual understanding. In conclusion, Plutarch's "Of Brotherly Love" is a treatise on the moral and practical benefits of fraternal affection, advocating for unity, mutual support, and the resolution of conflicts to strengthen familial and societal bonds.

By Plutarch · First published 1898 · Genre: Philosophy, Ethics, Rhetoric · 12,170 words

First lines

1. The ancient statues of Castor and Pollux are called by the Spartans Docana; and they are two pieces of wood one over against the other joined with two other cross ends, and the community and undividedness of this consecrated representation seems to resemble the fraternal love of these two Gods. In like manner do I devote this discourse of Brotherly Love to you, Nigrinus and Quintus, as a gift in common betwixt you both, who well deserve it. For as to the things it advises to, you will, while you already practise them, seem rather to give your testimonies to them than to be exhorted by them. And the satisfaction you have from well-doing will give the more firm durance to your judgment, when you shall find yourselves approved by wise and judicious spectators. Aristarchus the father of Theodectes said indeed once, by way of flout of the Sophists, that formerly there were scarce seven Sophists to be found, but that in his time there could hardly be found so many who were not Sophists. But I see brotherly love is as scarce in our days as brotherly hatred was in ancient times, the instances of which have been publicly exposed in tragedies and public shows for their strangeness. But all in our times, when they have fortuned to have good brothers, do no less admire them than the famed Molionidae, that are supposed to have been born with their bodies joined with each other. And to enjoy in common their fathers' wealth, friends, and slaves is looked upon as incredible and prodigious, as if one soul should make use of the hands, feet, and eyes of two bodies.

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ancient philosophy · ethics · moral reasoning · civic virtue · social bonds · familial relationships · brotherhood · civic duty · classical antiquity · greek thought · roman culture · human nature

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