Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 2 (of 5)

This volume gathers some of the most lively moral conversations from ancient Greece, presenting them as vivid, bite‑size dialogues. It opens with the famous banquet of the Seven Wise Men, where philosophers and statesmen debate governance, moderation, and the proper balance of pleasure and virtue. Their exchanges weave riddles, fables about dolphins, and pointed anecdotes that illustrate the ancient belief that “the end is worth more than the means.”

The collection continues with practical essays that still speak to modern ears: a guide for young listeners on how to read poetry without being misled, and clear distinctions between envy and hatred, showing how each corrupts goodwill in different ways. Further pieces teach the reader to spot a flatterer, to temper self‑love, and to appreciate the balance between ambition and humility. Thoughtfully translated and carefully edited, these timeless reflections invite listeners to explore age‑old wisdom through concise, engaging conversations.