The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Crito explained
This chapter introduces Crito, an Athenian who was a devoted friend and benefactor of Socrates, ensuring he never lacked necessities.
What happens
This chapter introduces Crito, an Athenian who was a devoted friend and benefactor of Socrates, ensuring he never lacked necessities. Crito's sons were all pupils of Socrates. The chapter lists the titles of seventeen dialogues written by Crito, covering topics such as ethics, politics, law, and knowledge.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Self-Sufficiency
Crito's care for Socrates exemplifies the virtue of friendship and the self-sufficient support of a philosopher's life.
The Philosopher's Life and Character
The chapter highlights the character of Crito as a devoted friend and the philosopher Socrates as a teacher and recipient of patronage.
Characters to notice
- Crito of Alopece
An Athenian who greatly loved Socrates and provided for his needs; his sons were pupils of Socrates.
- Socrates
The philosopher to whom Crito was devoted and whose pupils included Crito's sons.
Key passages
“Crito was an Athenian. He looked upon Socrates with the greatest affection, and paid such great attention to him that he took care that he should never be in want of anything.”
Crito, an Athenian, deeply loved Socrates and diligently ensured he lacked nothing.
Describes Crito's devoted care for Socrates.
“His sons also were all constant pupils of Socrates, and their names were Critobulus, Hermogenes, Epigenes, and Ctesippus.”
All of Crito's sons—Critobulus, Hermogenes, Epigenes, and Ctesippus—were regular students of Socrates.
Lists Crito's sons as disciples of Socrates.