In an ancient book, wisdom that still works

“It is a very great indication of progress in virtue
 to transfer our judgement to action,
and not to let our words remain merely words,
but to make deeds of them.”

If Levenger had been around 1900 years ago, we would have hoped to have the writer of these words as our customer. Instead, we’ve done the next best thing by publishing his words for our customers. Mim Harrison, the editor of Levenger Press, takes you behind the designs of our new book—On Contentedness of Mind, by Plutarch.

—Steve

Plutarch was one of those ancient seers whose name kept popping up in much of our research for new Levenger Press books. So many biographies cited his Parallel Lives as the basis of future biographical works. When we would read about writers who influenced Shakespeare, Plutarch would be there. Then we went in search of Emerson, and lo and behold, he’d written a lengthy paean to Plutarch. Just what was this old Greek’s magic?

“Plutarch understood the foundation of ethics for any enterprise, and he spoke his views in language that echoes through the ages. This was a philosopher who realized the importance of the little things and who can remind us of that lesson in many ways. ”

These are the words of contemporary philosopher Tom Morris (that’s Tom in the photo, BTW—not Plutarch). Tom gave us two virtual thumbs up when we told him we were publishing some of Plutarch’s Moralia, his observations on the business of living.

If Plutarch had tweeted…

Tom just published his own book of  ’Twisdom, which draws from his lively conversations with his Twitter following. The technique wasn’t around in Plutarch’s day but, says Tom, Plutarch would be right at home with the medium.

“A philosopher like Plutarch, who was a man of action as well as of thought, was often able to crystallize important insights into short wisdom nuggets that were easily remembered and easily used,” says Tom.

Here are a few of those Plutarchian nuggets from our book:

“Men teach us to speak, but the gods teach us to be silent.”

“Seek discourses whose footsteps turn inwards rather than outwards.”

“View the changes of the moon, like the changes of our mortal life, see how it waxes and wanes.”

Recession-proof wisdom

In a most difficult year for many people, what struck us about Plutarch’s wisdom was that it resonated so well for the time.

“We would not change virtue for wealth, for while virtue abides, wealth changes hands.”

Plutarch gently reminds us—and reassures us—of what’s truly important.

As our friend Tom observes, “In our current period of challenge, we need the wisdom of the great practical philosophers of the past. For a hundred years, we've taught the most theoretical philosophers in our universities and we've lost touch with some of the most insightful thinkers of the past, like Plutarch, who had such influence among the leaders in his time. It's about time for a rediscovery of his wisdom!”

Emerson felt much the same, more than a hundred years ago. “His sterling values will presently recall the age and thought of the best minds,” he wrote. (We excerpted much of Emerson’s essay on Plutarch as the introduction in our book.)

Sometimes nothing works like what’s worked for centuries. Or, as our wise old Greek would say:
“That work is most excellent, where the model stands the test of the nail.”

We think you’ll find in reading On Contentedness of Mind that Plutarch ably stands the test of time—even, and most especially, the time in which we’re now living.

—Mim

And now to you, dear reader: do you find great solace in the words of the ancients? I’d love to hear. Just click on the Comments link below. (If you’re reading this as an email, click here and you'll connect to Comments).

—Steve

Comments

[jimmy Springett]

Hi Steve, this is very good work...looking and listening to others who through life lessons, gained in wisdom and shared these truths for all who can read.
The past few weeks have been rougher than most, having recently lost my mom on August 25...so I have been looking at her wisdom...what I can say is she is so Christ- like and always had the wisdom of the ages..here are just a few of her golden gifts...always saying nice things about people and very encouraging when the chips were down, sharing her bounty every day, doing for others with no thought of any return, and most importantly being truthful yet remaining respectful and not hurting feelings. When you put this all together...it means I love you unconditionally with no strings attached...just as you are... to live and let live...so in our family, being raised in a Christian home, Jesus is our Lord and Savior.....so I guess you can say that goes back a few generations, yet our times even with all our technology boil down to this "treating those in our midst the same way we want to be treated" and if applying this wisdom to every act with friend and family,even strangers, we'd all become close friends, respecting one another. The magic in this little story about loving one another...the fear is no more...have the best evening...when you get a moment try helping some wolves...they are in trouble these days...so few remain...and they are God's 4 legged helpers too...peace be yours...Jim Springett-artist

[Mark Wukas]

The city is the teacher of the man. Plutarch

[George Ittner]

Hats off to Mim and Steve for finding something from the past that we have forgotten or overlooked. Plutarch, and Levenger Press, will keep us grounded admidst the storm about us. Many thanks.

[Royce Carter]

Where are the people today with this kind of wisdom, or are we not taking the time to sort out the quiet voice in all the noise?

[Michael E. Powell]

What about some wisdom and insight from a few early Jewish philosophers? Same with early Christian fathers? These guys were nothing to sneeze at!

[Steve R.]

"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius is another great work along these lines - the only self-help book you'll even need, and it has been around for more than a thousand years.

[David Bell]

Steve,
I have a Product suggestion:
Can you add the option of annotated paper to Notabilia, and include a page ribbon?

David Bell

[Steve Leveen]

Dear David,

Your Notabilia idea has been noted! I'll share with our Merchandising group. We're always interested in hearing what may be of help to customers. Thanks for getting in touch. All best wishes, Steve