The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Cleobulus explained
This chapter details the life, sayings, and legacy of Cleobulus of Lindus, one of the Seven Sages.
What happens
This chapter details the life, sayings, and legacy of Cleobulus of Lindus, one of the Seven Sages. It covers his lineage, his studies in Egypt, his poetic and philosophical works, including the disputed epigram on Midas and an enigma about the year. The chapter also collects his moral and practical apothegms on topics such as friendship, marriage, education, and self-control, and concludes with his letter to Solon and his epitaph.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Self-Sufficiency
Cleobulus's apothegms emphasize moderation, self-control, avoiding injustice, and cultivating virtue, reflecting the ideal of self-sufficient wisdom.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
The debate over the authorship of the Midas epigram and Simonides' critique of Cleobulus highlight tensions between genuine wisdom and mere poetic or rhetorical cleverness.
Characters to notice
- Cleobulus of Lindos
The subject of the chapter; a sage of Lindus, known for his strength, beauty, philosophical sayings, and poetic works.
- Solon
Recipient of a letter from Cleobulus, who invites Solon to Lindus for its democratic and safe environment.
- Simonides
Quoted as criticizing Cleobulus for comparing a statue to eternal natural phenomena, asserting that only God is above all.
Key passages
“Ignorance and talkativeness bear the chief sway among men.”
Ignorance and excessive talking dominate human behavior.
A key apothegm of Cleobulus criticizing common human failings.
“Moderation is the best thing.”
The best course is to practice moderation in all things.
One of Cleobulus's most famous sayings, encapsulating his ethical philosophy.
“One ought to serve a friend that he may become a greater friend; and an enemy, to make him a friend.”
Help a friend to strengthen the friendship, and help an enemy to turn them into a friend.
Cleobulus's advice on transforming relationships through service.