Wisdom
Mind and Manners
Creating a better life for yourself and others
Two thousand years ago, a highly accomplished Roman author, lawyer, and philosopher made a profound statement about the business of man and what it entails. Let’s look at his wisdom and how it can help you live a better life.
The business of mind and manners
Some years ago, I recall reading some of Gaius Plinius Secundus, a.k.a. Pliny the Elder's words, which made me sit up and take notice. If you are unfamiliar with him, he was a highly accomplished Roman author, lawyer, philosopher, naturalist, military commander, provincial governor, and friend of the emperor Vespasian.
Pliny the Elder’s most significant accomplishment was writing the world’s first encyclopedia, Naturalis Historia (Natural History), which became an editorial model for the many encyclopedias that followed.
He wrote:
“The great business of man is to improve his mind, and govern his manners;
all other projects and pursuits, whether in our power to compass or not, are only amusements.”
Gaius Plinius Secundus, a.k.a. Pliny the Elder (c.23–79 AD)
