“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”
This poignant verse, often attributed to the French writer Voltaire, captures a sentiment that echoes the philosophy of a much earlier thinker: Plutarch. The quote translates to: “We die twice, I see it well: To cease to love and be worthy of love is an unbearable death; To cease to live is nothing.” For the ancient Greek historian and biographer, this concept extended profoundly into the realm of leadership. A leader who loses the respect and trust of their people suffers a political and moral death far more significant than their physical end.
Plutarch’s famous work, The Primacy of Moral Virtue
For Plutarch, the foundation of all effective leadership was moral character. He believed that a leader’s personal virtues directly shaped the health of the state. A ruler who was temperate, just, and courageous would naturally cultivate those same qualities in their society. Conversely, a leader driven by greed, ambition, or vanity would inevitably lead their people toward ruin. This focus on inner quality was revolutionary. It shifted the measure of a leader from their battlefield victories or accumulated wealth to the state of their soul. Plutarch consistently praised figures who demonstrated unwavering integrity. For example, he admired the Roman statesman Cato the Younger for his stoic resistance to corruption and tyranny. Cato’s rigid adherence to his principles, even when it was politically inconvenient, represented Plutarch’s ideal. In contrast, he often criticized brilliant but flawed leaders like Alcibiades. Alcibiades was a charismatic and talented Athenian general, yet his ambition and lack of self-control ultimately harmed his city. Plutarch shows us that talent without virtue is not just useless; it is dangerous. A leader’s first duty is to govern themselves. Only then can they hope to govern others effectively. This belief in virtue was not an abstract ideal for Plutarch. He saw it as a practical necessity for a stable and prosperous society. Leaders set the tone for everyone else. When a ruler acts with justice, citizens are more likely to trust the law. When a leader shows courage, the people feel secure. Consequently, a leader’s private life was a matter of public concern. Plutarch meticulously detailed the personal habits of his subjects. He wanted to show how small choices and personal discipline contributed to their success or failure on the grand stage. The ultimate lesson is clear: a strong state must be built upon the strong character of its leaders. Virtue alone, however, is not sufficient. Plutarch also emphasized the critical importance of phronesis, or practical wisdom. This is the ability to make sound judgments in complex situations. It involves understanding people, anticipating consequences, and choosing the best course of action for the common good. Practical wisdom is not the same as theoretical knowledge. A leader could be a brilliant scholar but a terrible ruler if they lacked the practical sense to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Plutarch’s biographies are filled with examples of leaders exercising or failing to exercise phronesis. He praised the Roman general Fabius Maximus, who wisely used cautious tactics to wear down Hannibal’s invading army. Fabius endured criticism for avoiding a direct battle. However, his practical wisdom ultimately saved Rome. On the other hand, Plutarch highlighted the tragic flaws of leaders who acted impulsively. Their rash decisions, often driven by ego, led to disaster. This shows that for Plutarch, true leadership requires a cool head and a clear-eyed assessment of reality. Plutarch’s entire philosophy of leadership culminates in one central idea: the leader is a servant of the people. The purpose of holding power is not for personal enrichment or fame. Instead, it is a sacred trust to improve the lives of citizens and strengthen the community. This brings us back to the opening quote. A leader who ceases to be “aimable”—worthy of esteem—is one who has stopped serving the public interest. They have prioritized their own needs over the needs of the state. In Plutarch’s view, this is the “unbearable death” of a public figure. This commitment to the common good separates the true statesman from the tyrant. Source A statesman sees their own fortune as intertwined with the fortune of their people. They work to create harmony, promote justice, and ensure prosperity for all. For example, he praised the reforms of the Spartan king Lycurgus, who created a system of laws designed to foster equality and civic duty. In contrast, leaders who pursued personal glory at the expense of their people were subjects of Plutarch’s sharpest criticism. They may have won great battles or built impressive monuments, but if their actions weakened the state or caused suffering, he considered their reigns a failure. The lyre and harp are symbols of personal accomplishment and pleasure. Plutarch reminds us that while such things have their place, they must never become the focus of a true leader. The well-being of the people is the only song worth playing. Plutarch’s insights remain incredibly relevant today. In a world often dazzled by charisma and spectacle, he calls us to look deeper. He asks us to evaluate leaders not by their polished speeches or superficial talents, but by their character, their judgment, and their unwavering commitment to the public good. His work is a powerful reminder that leadership is, at its core, a moral endeavor. The “unbearable death” a leader faces is not the loss of an election or a fall from power. It is the loss of purpose and the betrayal of public trust. It is becoming a leader in name only, disconnected from the people you are meant to serve. For Plutarch, the greatest legacy a leader can leave is a stronger, more just, and more virtuous society. That is a life worthy of love and a death that is anything but unbearable.Character as the State’s Foundation
Practical Wisdom: The Art of Sound Judgment
The Leader’s Ultimate Purpose: Serving the Common Good
Conclusion: A Timeless Vision of Leadership