Book I: The Origins and Divisions of Philosophy explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools

  The chapter extensively catalogs the founders and divisions of philosophical schools, including the Academic, Cyrenaic, Megaric, Cynic, and others, as well as the three main branches of philosophy.

• Political Engagement and Tyranny

  Solon's actions against Pisistratus' tyranny and his advice to Periander highlight the tension between political engagement and the dangers of autocratic rule.

• Wisdom vs. Sophistry

  The distinction between true wisdom (embodied by Solon and Thales) and mere sophistry is implied in the discussion of philosophical sects and the criteria for truth.

Characters to notice

• Solon

  Solon is highlighted as a wise lawgiver who recaptured Salamis, enacted laws, and advised against tyranny. His letters to Periander and Epimenides are included.

• Thales

  Thales is introduced as the first to be called 'Wise,' a founder of natural philosophy, and a key figure in the early philosophical tradition.

• Periander of Corinth

  Periander is addressed in a letter from Solon, warning him about the dangers of tyranny and advising him to either abandon it or secure foreign support.

• Epimenides of Crete

  Epimenides is addressed in a letter from Solon, discussing the limitations of laws and divine intervention in governing a city.

• Socrates

  Socrates is mentioned as one of the philosophers who wrote nothing, according to some sources.

• Aristotle

  Aristotle is listed among the philosophers who wrote many works and is noted as the founder of the Peripatetic school.

Key passages

• “Would that I were a man of Pholegandros, Or small Sicinna, rather than of Athens: For soon this will a common proverb be, That’s an Athenian who won’t fight for Salamis.”

  Solon expresses shame that Athenians would rather be from insignificant islands than fight for Salamis, predicting that 'Athenian' will become synonymous with cowardice.

  This elegy was used by Solon to rally the Athenians to recapture Salamis from the Megarians.

• “Let’s go and fight for lovely Salamis, And wipe off this our present infamy.”

  Solon calls on Athenians to reclaim Salamis and restore their honor.

  Another elegy that helped incite the Athenians to war over Salamis.

• “Ye men of Athens, I am wiser than some of you, and braver than others. Wiser than those of you who do not perceive the treachery of Pisistratus; and braver than those who are aware of it, but out of fear hold their peace.”

  Solon declares his superior wisdom in recognizing Pisistratus' plot and his courage in speaking out against it.

  Solon's warning to the Athenians about Pisistratus' ambition to become tyrant.

• “A short time will to all my madness prove, When stern reality presents itself.”

  Solon predicts that soon events will show he was not mad but correct about Pisistratus.

  His response to the council that dismissed his warning as madness.

• “Fierce snow and hail are from the clouds borne down, And thunder after brilliant lightning roars; And by its own great men a city falls, The ignorant mob becoming slaves to kings.”

  Just as storms follow natural patterns, a city is ruined by its own prominent citizens, leading the ignorant populace into tyranny.

  Solon's elegiac verses foretelling the tyranny of Pisistratus.

• “O my country, I have stood by you in word and deed.”

  Solon declares his loyalty to Athens through both his advice and his actions.

  Spoken by Solon as he laid down his arms before the council after Pisistratus seized power.