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Books by Plutarch mentioned on podcasts
Plutarch's enduring historical writings and ancient biographies regularly enter conversations on several programs. On an episode of Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, the host quoted a specific passage from Plutarch's Lives to examine historical instances of diplomatic messaging and the ancient concept of messengers facing severe punishments. Robert Evans, hosting Behind the Bastards, drew upon Plutarch's Life of Cato the Elder during a discussion concerning Thomas Jefferson, using the text to highlight Cato's peculiar expectations regarding his slaves. On The Daily Stoic, the host discussed how William Shakespeare frequently drew inspiration and borrowed narratives from Plutarch's writings, reflecting the broader Renaissance cultural revival surrounding ancient Greek literature. Additionally, Sergey Nazarov spoke on the Lex Fridman Podcast about the profound impact that Plutarch's Greek and Roman Lives had on his intellectual development, noting that he began reading these classical biographies alongside Plato as part of a deep dive into ancient philosophy and enduring ideas that successfully withstand the test of time.
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Lives
Discussed“Um the line that stands out to me and I think to a lot of us uh is from Plutarch in his work lives where he says the first messenger that gave notice of Lucilles's coming was so far from pleasing Ty Grains that he had his head caught off were his pains and no man dared to bring further”
Where to get it
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Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2
Discussed“Shakespeare is stealing from the writings of Plutarch, who existed roughly around the time of Marcus Aurelius. He quotes other fables and stuff, but you can tell that Shakespeare is stealing from ancient stories—just as like the Renaissance was powered by them falling back in love with the Greeks and the Romans.”
Where to get it
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Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4) by Plutarch
Discussed“Um the line that stands out to me and I think to a lot of us uh is from Plutarch in his work lives where he says the first messenger that gave notice of Lucilles's coming was so far from pleasing Ty Grains that he had his head caught off were his pains and no man dared to bring further”
Where to get it
