# Chrysippus 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 details the life, character, and prolific writings of Chrysippus, the Stoic philosopher who succeeded Cleanthes. It covers his intellectual acumen, his immense output of over 705 books, his dialectical skill, his arrogance, his death from drinking unmixed wine (or from laughter), and his controversial doctrines including incest and cannibalism.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Philosopher's Life and Character

Chrysippus's arrogance, industriousness, and eccentricities (e.g., moving his legs while drinking, laughing at an ass eating figs) are highlighted.

### Death and Legacy

His death from drinking unmixed wine or from laughter, and his immense influence on Stoicism, are discussed.

### Ethics and Self-Control

The chapter mentions his controversial ethical doctrines, including incest and cannibalism, as part of his philosophical system.

## Character check-ins

### Chrysippus

Main subject of the chapter; a prolific Stoic philosopher, student of Cleanthes, known for his dialectical skill and vast writings.

### Cleanthes

Teacher of Chrysippus; Chrysippus often dissented from him but repented, and defended him against sophistical attacks.

### Zeno of Citium

Founder of Stoicism; Chrysippus was initially a pupil of Zeno or Cleanthes, and later dissented from Zeno's views.

### Arcesilaus

Academic philosopher; Chrysippus joined him and Lacydes in the Academy, adopting the habit of arguing for and against.

### Lacydes

Academic philosopher; along with Arcesilaus, he influenced Chrysippus's dialectical approach.

### Carneades

Called Chrysippus 'Crypsippus' (hidden horse) because his statue in the Ceramicus is nearly hidden by an equestrian statue.

## Key lines

> In most respects I am a happy man, Excepting where Cleanthes is concerned; For in that matter I am far from fortunate.

Chrysippus often said he was fortunate except when it came to Cleanthes, regarding whom he felt unlucky.

_Reflects Chrysippus's conflicted relationship with his teacher._

> For if Chrysippus had not lived and taught, The Stoic school would surely have been nought.

People said that without Chrysippus, the Stoic school would have amounted to nothing.

_Highlights his pivotal role in Stoicism._

> If I had attended to the multitude I should not have been a philosopher.

Chrysippus replied to a critic that following the crowd would have prevented him from becoming a philosopher.

_Demonstrates his disdain for popular opinion._

## Links

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