I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than

Hear the timeless wisdom of Plutarch, the philosopher and biographer of Greece and Rome, who declared: “I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and possessions.” In these words we hear not the boast of a man chasing glory, but the humble confession of one who understands where true greatness lies. For power fades, possessions decay, but the knowledge of what is excellent—the pursuit of virtue, wisdom, and the good—endures beyond the grave and lifts the soul to the heights of eternity.

Plutarch spoke as one who lived in an age when emperors commanded legions and kings gathered treasures, yet he saw that the true measure of a life is not the scale of dominion, but the depth of understanding. To excel in knowledge is to grasp what is noble, just, and beautiful. Possessions may fill a man’s house, but wisdom fills his soul. Power may win the obedience of others, but virtue wins their reverence. Thus Plutarch set forth a hierarchy of values: the soul above the body, wisdom above wealth, excellence above empire.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great. He conquered lands from Greece to India, extending the extent of his power and possessions beyond the imagination of his age. Yet at his death, he wept, not for joy, but because there were no more worlds to conquer. His empire crumbled swiftly after him, scattered like dust in the wind. Contrast this with Socrates, who possessed no throne, no army, no treasure. His wealth was the knowledge of what is excellent, his empire the hearts and minds of those he taught. And though Socrates was executed, his wisdom endures, shaping thought and virtue even in our own time. Which life, then, shines brighter through the ages?

Plutarch’s words remind us that true possession is not what we hold in our hands, but what we cultivate in our hearts. The love of virtue, the pursuit of justice, the discipline of the mind—these are treasures thieves cannot steal, time cannot erode, and death cannot diminish. Those who chase power may rule for a season; those who cultivate excellence will inspire for generations. For when the temples fall and the empires burn, what remains are the words of wisdom passed from teacher to student, from parent to child, from soul to soul.

Yet these words are not only for kings and philosophers; they are for you. In every life there is a choice: to chase after possessions and power, or to strive for what is excellent—honor, wisdom, compassion, integrity. Many toil endlessly to add coins to their coffers, yet remain poor in spirit. Others live simply but seek truth, beauty, and goodness, and they become rich beyond measure. For excellence is the true currency of the soul, and its value cannot be diminished.

The lesson, then, is clear: let your pursuit be for excellence. Read deeply, question bravely, act justly, and live with virtue. If wealth comes, let it serve wisdom, not replace it. If power comes, wield it for justice, not for pride. Do not measure your life by what you own or command, but by the depth of truth you have sought and embodied.

Therefore, beloved seekers, let your practice be this: each day, choose to excel in what is noble. Seek excellence in your thoughts, your words, your deeds. Cultivate knowledge not for pride, but for service. Let your possessions be tools, not masters, and your power a means, not an end. And remember Plutarch’s eternal truth: to excel in the knowledge of what is excellent is greater than to reign over kingdoms or hoard treasures, for such knowledge endures when all else turns to dust.