The giving riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever

The giving riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever

In the context of Plutarch, the quote "The giving riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever" holds significant meaning. Plutarch, a Greek historian and biographer, was known for his moral philosophy and belief in the importance of virtue and character. He believed that true greatness came from living a virtuous life and that wealth and power should be earned through honorable means.

Plutarch's quote speaks to the idea that rewarding a wicked man with riches and honors only serves to exacerbate their negative qualities. Just as giving strong wine to someone with a fever would only worsen their condition, giving wealth and power to a wicked individual would only amplify their corrupt behavior. Plutarch believed that true greatness came from moral integrity and that those who lacked virtue should not be rewarded with material wealth or societal status.

Plutarch's philosophy can be seen in his famous work, "Parallel Lives," where he compares the lives of famous Greeks and Romans to highlight the importance of character and virtue. In these biographies, Plutarch often contrasts the actions of virtuous individuals with those of corrupt and immoral figures. He believed that true greatness came from living a life of virtue and that those who lacked moral integrity would ultimately be brought down by their own vices.