Plutarch's Lives, Vol. 1

Plutarch begins his biography of Pericles with a reminder to his readers to seek to learn about what is worthy of study, namely, the deeds of virtuous men. He believes that his biographies can teach valuable lessons.

Plutarch describes Pericles’s background and early life. Pericles is born into one of the leading families of Athens, and his own greatness is presaged by a dream his mother has when she is pregnant with him, in which she sees herself giving birth to a lion. Plutarch describes Pericles’s appearance too, saying that he was handsome but that his head was elongated (for which reason artists always depicted him wearing a helmet). Pericles was well-educated, learning from some of the great philosophers and artists of the time. Pericles would remain particularly close with the philosopher Anaxagoras throughout his life. Plutarch highlights Pericles’s serious, composed, and rational nature.

Pericles initially avoids politics because he fears that he will be ostracized if he becomes too powerful, especially as he is already rich and well-connected. He enters the military and gains success. Eventually, Pericles does enter politics to advocate for the poor. He earns a reputation as an excellent speaker. Comic poets, however, often make fun of him for his lofty

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