# Aeschines explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

This chapter details the life and works of Aeschines, a devoted follower of Socrates, his alleged plagiarism, his poverty, his time in Sicily with Dionysius, and his reputation as a skilled orator. It also lists the seven dialogues attributed to him and discusses the controversies surrounding their authenticity.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Philosopher's Life and Character

Aeschines' poverty, devotion to Socrates, and struggles for recognition illustrate the challenges of a philosopher's life.

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Accusations of plagiarism and the selling of lectures blur the line between genuine Socratic wisdom and sophistry.

## Character check-ins

### Aeschines

Son of Charinus the sausage-maker, devoted follower of Socrates, accused of appropriating Socratic dialogues, later a paid lecturer and speechwriter.

### Socrates

Praised Aeschines as the only one who knows how to pay proper respect; advised him to borrow from himself in poverty.

### Menedemus of Eretria

Calumniated Aeschines, claiming he stole dialogues from Xanthippe.

### Aristippus of Cyrene

Supported Aeschines in Sicily and later ridiculed the genuineness of his dialogues.

### Plato

Looked down upon Aeschines in Sicily; attributed Crito's advice to Socrates in prison to Aeschines according to Idomeneus.

## Key lines

> the only one who knows how to pay us proper respect is the son of the sausage-seller.

Socrates said that Aeschines was the only one who showed him and his companions proper respect.

_Socrates' praise for Aeschines' devotion._

> The speeches of Aeschines which do not convince anyone.

Timon criticized Aeschines' speeches as unconvincing.

_Timon's disparaging remark about Aeschines' rhetorical skill._

> Oh! you thief; where did you get that?

Aristippus accused Aeschines of stealing his dialogues when he recited them at Megara.

_Aristippus' accusation of plagiarism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/aeschines
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters