# Aristippus 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 focuses on Aristippus of Cyrene, a pupil of Socrates who became a Sophist and founded the Cyrenaic school of philosophy. It details his character, his interactions with Dionysius and Diogenes, and his hedonistic yet pragmatic philosophy. The chapter also covers the later Cyrenaic schools—the Hegesiacs, Annicereans, and Theodoreans—and their variations on pleasure as the chief good.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ethics and Self-Control

Aristippus's philosophy of pleasure as the chief good is contrasted with self-control; he argues that the wise man can enjoy pleasures without being enslaved by them, as shown in his dismissal of the courtesans.

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Aristippus is described as professing himself a Sophist and charging fees for teaching, which sets him apart from Socrates and draws criticism from Xenophon and Plato.

### Political Engagement and Tyranny

Aristippus's association with the tyrant Dionysius illustrates the philosopher's navigation of political power; he defends his service by contrasting it with Diogenes's withdrawal.

## Character check-ins

### Aristippus of Cyrene

Main subject of the chapter; a pupil of Socrates who became a Sophist and founded the Cyrenaic school, known for his adaptability and hedonistic philosophy.

### Socrates

Aristippus's teacher, who rejected the money Aristippus sent him and is referenced in Xenophon's attack on pleasure.

### Diogenes of Sinope

Called Aristippus 'the king's dog' and engaged in a famous exchange about washing vegetables versus serving a tyrant.

### Plato

Reproached Aristippus for his expensive lifestyle and is said to have remarked on his ability to wear both a whole cloak and rags.

### Periander of Corinth

Tyrant at whose court Aristippus was favored; he tested Aristippus with courtesans and engaged in philosophical dialogues.

### Theodorus

Founder of the Theodorean school; a pupil of Anniceris and Dionysius the Dialectician, known for his atheistic views and influence on Epicurus.

## Key lines

> If extravagance had been a fault, it would not have had a place in the festivals of the Gods.

Aristippus defends his luxurious lifestyle by arguing that the gods themselves celebrate with extravagance, so it cannot be inherently wrong.

_This reflects his hedonistic ethics, using divine example to justify pleasure._

> It is not the going into such a house that is bad, but the not being able to go out.

Aristippus distinguishes between the act of visiting a courtesan and losing self-control, emphasizing that wisdom lies in knowing when to leave.

_Highlights his emphasis on self-mastery within a pleasure-seeking life._

> If all the laws should be abrogated, we should still live in the same manner as we do now.

Aristippus claims that philosophers live virtuously by nature, not because of legal compulsion.

_Shows his belief in the self-sufficiency of the wise man._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/aristippus
- 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