Life Stories of the Men who shaped History from Plutarch's Lives

the long version

MEN OF DESTINY Here are some of the men whose fives shaped history — men whose counterparts exist today: LYCURGUS—The Dictator He believed the individual was subordinate to the state. He prevented his subjects from traveling abroad because he feared new ideas. SOLON—The Lawgiver He handed down a law that made it a crime to be indifferent when one's country was in danger. PERICLES—The Patriot Democracy was his creed, so he chose to solicit the favor of the poor and the many, rather than the rich and the few. ALCIBIADES—The Traitor He betrayed Athens to the Spartans and corrupted a noble experiment in democracy. CICERO-The People's Advocate He showed the Romans what charms eloquence can add to truth and that justice is invincible when properly supported. ALEXANDER-The Conqueror He believed that he was more than human and that it was his mission to conquer the world.