Whether 'Twere Rightly Said, Live Concealed
In "Whether 'Twere Rightly Said, Live Concealed," Plutarch critiques the notion of living a life hidden from public view. He argues that the advice to live concealed is inherently contradictory, as those who promote it seek recognition for their wisdom. Plutarch suggests that living in obscurity is akin to hiding a crime, and he questions why anyone should conceal their life unless they have something shameful to hide. He contends that even those who live immorally should not withdraw from society but instead seek redemption and improvement through interaction with others. Plutarch further argues that virtuous individuals should not be condemned to obscurity. He cites historical figures like Epaminondas, Lycurgus, and Socrates, who contributed significantly to society and whose actions would have been lost had they lived in concealment. He emphasizes that virtue should be visible and active, benefiting society like light that illuminates and guides others. Plutarch also discusses the detrimental effects of isolation on the soul, comparing it to stagnant water that becomes foul without movement. He believes that life is meant to be shared and that human existence is designed for mutual recognition and interaction. He suggests that obscurity and ignorance are akin to death, while visibility and knowledge are akin to life. In conclusion, Plutarch argues that living a life of concealment is contrary to the purpose of human existence, which is to be known and to contribute to the world. He advocates for a life of engagement and visibility, where virtues can shine and inspire others.
By Plutarch · First published 100 · Genre: Philosophy, Ethics, Political Philosophy · 2,773 words
First lines
1. It is sure, he that said it had no mind to live concealed, for he spoke it out of a design of being taken notice of for his very saying it, as if he saw deeper into things than every vulgar eye, and of purchasing to himself a reputation, how unjustly soever, by inveigling others into obscurity and retirement. But the poet says right:
I hate the man who makes pretence to wit, Yet in his own concerns waives using it.[1]
What this Textopian page supports
Whether 'Twere Rightly Said, Live Concealed is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plutarch, dated 100 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plutarch
- Date: 100 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Ethics, Political Philosophy, Rhetorical Essay, Classical Literature
- Length: 2,773 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Whether 'Twere Rightly Said, Live Concealed by Plutarch
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Philosophy — The work is primarily an inquiry into the nature of virtue, existence, and the role of public recognition, typical of philosophical treatises.
- Ethics — It explores moral questions regarding the disclosure or concealment of one’s life and virtues, offering judgments on morally sound behavior.
- Political Philosophy — The text discusses the impact of public recognition on leadership and societal order by referencing historical figures and civic responsibility.
- Rhetorical Essay — The work employs persuasive rhetoric and discursive style, characteristic of the essay form in classical literature.
Tags
secrecy · privacy · concealment · identity · mystery · introspection · philosophy · ethics · virtue · prudence · self-awareness · human nature
More by Plutarch
- An Abstract of a Comparison Betwixt Aristophanes and Menander (1898)
- Of Banishment, or Flying One's Country (1898)
- Of Brotherly Love (1898)
- Wherefore the Pythian Priestess Now Ceases to Deliver Her Oracles in Verse (100)
- Plutarch's Natural Questions (100)
- Plutarch's Symposiacs (120)
- Of Moral Virtue (1898)
- Of Those Sentiments Concerning Nature with Which Philosophers Were Delighted (1898)
- All works by Plutarch