# Bias 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 recounts the life, wisdom, and death of Bias of Priene, one of the Seven Sages. It highlights his acts of virtue, such as ransoming and educating captured maidens, his clever diplomacy with King Alyattes during the siege of Priene, his ethical approach to rhetoric, and his many aphorisms on prudence, piety, and human nature. The chapter concludes with his peaceful death in old age after pleading a case, and his burial with honors.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue and Self-Sufficiency

Bias exemplifies virtue through his ransoming of maidens, refusal of the tripod, and his ethical advice, emphasizing selfless action and moral integrity.

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Bias is portrayed as a wise man who uses his rhetorical skills for just causes, contrasting with sophistry; his aphorisms and decisions reflect genuine wisdom.

## Character check-ins

### Bias of Priene

Central figure of the chapter; a wise man of Priene, son of Teutamus, known for his virtue, eloquence, and practical wisdom.

### Periander of Corinth

Mentioned in the context of the seven wise men and the story of the tripod.

### Heraclitus

Praises Bias, saying his reputation is higher than that of others.

## Key lines

> Seek to please all the citizens, even though Your house may be in an ungracious city. For such a course will favor win from all: But haughty manners oft produce destruction.

Strive to be agreeable to all your fellow citizens, even if you live in a difficult city, because this will earn you goodwill, while arrogance often leads to ruin.

_Bias's poetic advice on civic harmony and humility._

> Great strength of body is the gift of nature; But to be able to advise whate’er Is most expedient for one’s country’s good, Is the peculiar work of sense and wisdom.

Physical strength is a natural gift, but the ability to give sound advice for the benefit of one's country is the unique product of intelligence and wisdom.

_Bias distinguishes natural gifts from cultivated wisdom._

> Hold your tongues, lest they should find out that you are in this ship.

Be quiet, so the gods don't realize you are on board.

_Bias's ironic remark to impious men praying during a storm._

> I am silent because you are putting questions about things with which you have no concern.

I remain silent because you are asking about matters that do not concern you.

_Bias's response to an impious man asking about piety._

> Choose the course which you adopt with deliberation; but when you have adopted it, then persevere in it with firmness.

Decide on your path carefully, but once decided, stick to it resolutely.

_Bias's advice on decision-making and perseverance._

## Links

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