IX. From Sextus, a benevolent disposition, and the example of a family governed in a fatherly manner, and the idea of living conformably to nature; and gravity without affectation, and to look carefully after the interests of friends, and to tolerate ignorant persons, and those who form opinions without consideration:+ he had the power of readily accommodating himself to all, so that intercourse with him was more agreeable than any flattery; and at the same time he was most highly venerated by those who associated with him: and he had the faculty both of discovery and ordering, in an intelligent and methodical way, the principles necessary for life; and he never showed anger or any other passion, but was entirely free from passion, and also most affectionate; and he could express approbation without noisy display, and he possessed much knowledge without ostentation.
Sextus of Chaeronea in Boeotia, of Plutarch’s family — nephew or grandson, the sources differ. He taught Lucius Verus as well.
Where they were from
Where they were fromSextus of Chaeronea in Boeotia, a nephew of Plutarch.
When, in his life
Where it comes from
"To live conformably to nature" is the central Stoic formula — living in agreement with how things actually are, rather than how one would prefer them. It recurs throughout the later books.
Where he says it again
Living conformably to nature comes back in Books IV and XII.