How should an old man take part in public affairs?

Translation: quotations from Plutarch are quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands, not his original words.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch records that Cicero withdrew from public affairs after the commonwealth changed into a monarchy and instead used his leisure to instruct young men in philosophy and to compose philosophical dialogues. This shows that, according to Plutarch, an old man may take part in public affairs indirectly by engaging in intellectual pursuits and maintaining influence through private relationships. "the commonwealth being changed into a monarchy, Cicero withdrew himself from public affairs, and employed his leisure in instructing those young men that would, in philosophy" [1]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): Plutarch believes that an old man should take part in public affairs by acting for the common good and promoting concord, rather than by opposing or pulling down wicked persons, which he considers dangerous for someone new to state administration. He cites Solon as an example of a wise beginning, where he united the divided city of Athens for the common good and was chosen as a lawgiver. "Wherefore Solon took a better beginning; for the city of Athens being divided into three parts... he, joining himself with none of them, but acting for the common good of them all, and saying and doing all things for to bring them to concord, was chosen the lawgiver to take away their differences, and by that means settled the state." [2]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): Plutarch believes that an old man should not abandon public affairs but should persist in the political life he has chosen and been accustomed to, so as not to disgrace the time he has already lived. He argues that abandoning public life in old age would be disgraceful and that political life should be the conclusion of a life lived honorably. "I esteem myself obliged to communicate also to you those sentiments of mine concerning old men's intermeddling with public matters... but that we may persist in what we had chosen and have been inured to from the beginning, putting the same conclusion to our life and our living honorably." [3]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): Plutarch believes that an old man should take part in public affairs by acting as a teacher and instructor in the mysteries of government, not by personally judging or fighting but by guiding and preparing the younger generation. He argues that this role is useful to the commonwealth, as seen in the example of Lacedaemon, where old men inspected public affairs and the actions of the younger men. [4]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch shows that Cato believed an old man should remain active in public affairs, considering it honorable to be engaged in them even in old age. He contrasts Cato's view with those who grew languid or withdrew from public life. "Cato thought that old age to be the most honorable, which was busied in public affairs" [5]
• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch records that Fabius, during a time of public crisis, took active roles in public affairs by causing the senate to meet, addressing citizens, and heartening magistrates. This shows that an old man may take part in public affairs by providing leadership and stability during times of distress. "He caused the senate to meet, he heartened up the magistrates, and was himself as the soul and life of every office." [6]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): The passage shows that some people believed it was better for an old man to retire from public affairs and avoid political struggles, as it could lead to failure and suffering. This belief is grounded in the examples of Marius, Cicero, and Scipio, who are said to have suffered because they did not retire after achieving success. (key quote above) [7]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): The passage shows that in times of public distress, offering wise and judicious counsel must be done with great care and in a soothing manner, as people are more sensitive and prone to take offense. It argues that even the most necessary advice may be perceived as insulting unless delivered with caution and gentleness. "Honey itself is searching in sore and ulcerated parts; and the wisest and most judicious counsels prove provoking to distempered minds, unless offered with those soothing and compliant approaches..." [8]

What cuts against it

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch acknowledges that some believe an old man should retire from public affairs to avoid failure and suffering, citing examples like Marius, Cicero, and Scipio who suffered after remaining active. (key quote above) [7]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Plutarch argues that an old man should not abandon public affairs but should persist in the political life he has chosen and been accustomed to, so as not to disgrace the time he has already lived. [3]

2. He believes that an old man should take part in public affairs by acting as a teacher and instructor in the mysteries of government, not by personally judging or fighting but by guiding and preparing the younger generation. [4]

3. Plutarch emphasizes that managing state affairs is not a task with a fixed end but a natural and ongoing duty of a virtuous life, aimed at the benefit of mankind. [9]

4. He suggests that an old man should not ambitiously seek honors or offices but should accept them only when sought by the people, and take part in public affairs with dignity and comeliness. [10]

5. Plutarch acknowledges that some believe an old man should retire from public affairs to avoid failure and suffering, citing examples like Marius, Cicero, and Scipio who suffered after remaining active. [7]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: PARTIAL

The record is silent on whether an old man should take part in public affairs in a modern context or under specific political conditions.

Extrapolation: Plutarch would likely argue that an old man should continue to take part in public affairs by acting as a teacher and instructor, promoting concord, and guiding the younger generation. He would emphasize the importance of persistence in political life and the need to act for the common good.

Competing readings: One reading is that an old man should remain active in public affairs, as seen in the examples of Cato and Fabius. Another reading is that an old man should retire to avoid failure and suffering, as suggested by the examples of Marius, Cicero, and Scipio. The record itself supports both readings, but the stated reasons differ.

Confidence: Moderate. The record provides multiple examples and arguments, but it is undated and does not address modern contexts.