# Book VIII: The Pythagorean and Promiscuous Philosophers 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 explores the lives and teachings of Empedocles and Eudoxus, detailing their philosophical influences, contributions to natural philosophy, and their relationships with other thinkers such as Parmenides, Pythagoras, and Plato. It also touches on Empedocles' political engagements, his poetic and rhetorical skills, and his claims to divine status, while Eudoxus is noted for his astronomical and geometrical works, his travels, and his association with the Socratic school. ## Themes in this chapter ### Natural Philosophy and Cosmology Empedocles' and Eudoxus' contributions to natural philosophy, including Empedocles' theories on wind and the elements, and Eudoxus' astronomical and geometrical works. ### Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools The chapter details the lineage of philosophers from Parmenides to Empedocles and Zeno, and the influence of Pythagoras and Plato on Eudoxus. ### Political Engagement and Tyranny Empedocles' opposition to tyranny and his role in abolishing the assembly of a thousand in Agrigentum demonstrate his political engagement. ## Character check-ins ### Empedocles Central figure of the chapter; his philosophical lineage, poetic works, political actions, and claims to divinity are discussed in detail. ### Eudoxus of Cnidus Prominent Pythagorean philosopher; his studies under Plato, travels to Egypt, and contributions to astronomy and geometry are highlighted. ### Parmenides Mentioned as a teacher of Empedocles and Zeno, and as an influence on Empedocles' poetic style. ### Pythagoras Referenced as a teacher of Empedocles and as the founder of the Pythagorean school which Empedocles later made public. ### Plato Mentioned in relation to Eudoxus' studies and his exclusion from the Pythagorean school, as well as his influence on Eudoxus. ### Zeno of Citium Noted as a pupil of Parmenides alongside Empedocles, and as the inventor of dialectics according to Aristotle. ## Key lines > And all the drugs which can relieve disease, Or soften the approach of age, shall be Revealed to your inquiries; I do know them, And I to you alone will them disclose. You shall restrain the fierce unbridled winds, Which, rushing o’er the earth, bow down the corn, And crush the farmer’s hopes. And when you will, You shall recall them back to sweep the land: Then you shall learn to dry the rainy clouds, And bid warm summer cheer the heart of men. Again, at your behest, the drought shall yield To wholesome show’rs: when you give the word Hell shall restore its dead. Empedocles boasts of his ability to heal diseases, control the weather, and even raise the dead, presenting himself as a master of natural and supernatural forces. _This passage illustrates Empedocles' self-promotion as a divine figure and his claims to magical powers._ > Hail to ye, I, an immortal God, no longer mortal, Now live among you well revered by all, As is my due, crowned with holy fillets And rosy garlands. Empedocles declares himself an immortal god, demanding reverence and worship from the people of Agrigentum. _This reflects Empedocles' arrogance and his belief in his own divinity, a key theme in his characterization._ > The men of Agrigentum devote themselves wholly to luxury as if they were to die tomorrow, but they furnish their houses as if they were to live forever. Empedocles criticizes the citizens of Agrigentum for their excessive indulgence in luxury, contrasting their short-term hedonism with their long-term investments. _This aphorism highlights Empedocles' moral critique of his society and his philosophical stance on moderation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/book-viii - 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