Book V explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Death and Legacy

  Theophrastus's will and Demetrius's downfall and death illustrate concerns with how philosophers are remembered and their affairs settled.

• Political Engagement and Tyranny

  Demetrius's political career, his advice to Ptolemy, and his subsequent imprisonment and death highlight the risks of political involvement.

• Wisdom vs. Sophistry

  Demetrius's wise sayings and his philosophical style contrast with the political machinations and envy that led to his downfall.

Characters to notice

• Theophrastus

  His vast literary output is cataloged, and his will is presented, showing his care for education and philosophy.

• Lycon

  Appointed by Theophrastus in his will to oversee his burial and estate.

• Demetrius of Phalerum

  A pupil of Theophrastus, he governed Athens for ten years, was honored with many statues, later fell from favor, and died in exile.

• Menander

  The comic poet was nearly convicted due to his friendship with Demetrius of Phalerum.

• Antigonus of Carystus

  Mentioned as a source for the enmity that caused Demetrius to flee to Ptolemy Soter.

Key passages

• “If you give it to another, you will not have it yourself.”

  Demetrius warned Ptolemy that relinquishing the kingdom to another would cost him his own power.

  Advice given to Ptolemy Soter regarding the succession of his kingdom.

• “But they have not thrown down my virtues, on account of which they erected them.”

  Demetrius responded to the destruction of his statues by noting that his virtues, which earned the statues, remain untouched.

  A saying reflecting his resilience and focus on inner worth over external honors.

• “the eyebrows were not an insignificant part of a man, for that they were able to overshadow the whole life.”

  Demetrius remarked that eyebrows are important because they can cast a shadow over one's entire life.

  A metaphorical observation on the power of small expressions or features.