Editorial

Plutarch. Parallel Lives: Aristides-Cato the Censor

Joaquim Pinheiro

25 february, 2021≈ 2 min read

Author

Joaquim Pinheiro (Introdução, tradução do grego, notas e índices)

Synopsis

In different contexts, Aristides and Cato the Censor (or Cato the Elder) are paradigms of historical figures who dedicated themselves to the public cause. Facing obstacles of different nature, they knew, despite the efforts of the opponents to their political strategy, how to maintain their values. Through arete and dynamis they managed to distinguish themselves in the politeia and reach the doxa. However, as it is often inherent in political activity, this contributed to the ostracism of Aristides and also Cato the Censor also managed to arouse enmity in various sectors of Roman society. Plutarch, by selecting a set of actions, is able to highlight an aspect that is transversal in the history of political thought: the opposition between the public and the private sphere. Aristides, more than Cato the Censor, manages to value the collective sense of his political action at the expense of individual well-being. What for some may be lack of ambition, for Aristides is respect for justice and the collective. As for Cato the Censor, he distinguished himself by the successfully managing the private interests, which can be, at the same time, a sign of meanness or greatness of spirit. In the exercise of their political functions, they both sought to maintain an exemplary moral conduct, albeit conditioned by different personal and also social circumstances.