The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Demetrius explained
This chapter details the life, political career, writings, and death of Demetrius of Phalerum, a Peripatetic philosopher and statesman who governed Athens for ten years, was honored with numerous statues, and later fell from favor, dying in
What happens
This chapter details the life, political career, writings, and death of Demetrius of Phalerum, a Peripatetic philosopher and statesman who governed Athens for ten years, was honored with numerous statues, and later fell from favor, dying in exile in Egypt after being imprisoned by Ptolemy Philadelphus.
Themes in this chapter
Political Engagement and Tyranny
Demetrius' ten-year governance of Athens, his fall from favor, and the destruction of his statues illustrate the precarious nature of political power and the dangers of envy and tyranny.
Death and Legacy
The chapter covers Demetrius' death by an asp bite in prison, his burial, and the preservation of his writings, highlighting how legacy outlasts political fortune.
The Philosopher's Life and Character
Demetrius' sayings, his relationship with Theophrastus, and his extensive writings reflect the philosopher's engagement with ethics, politics, and rhetoric.
Characters to notice
- Demetrius of Phalerum
Main subject of the chapter; pupil of Theophrastus, leader of Athens for ten years, author of many works, died in prison after advising Ptolemy against succession.
- Theophrastus
Mentioned as the teacher of Demetrius.
- Menander
Comic poet and friend of Demetrius, nearly convicted due to their association.
- Antigonus of Carystus
Mentioned as a king whose enmity Demetrius feared after Cassander's death.
- Pyrrho
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted as no clear presence.
Key passages
“But they have not thrown down my virtues, on account of which they erected them.”
Demetrius remarked that while the Athenians had destroyed his statues, they could not erase the virtues that had earned him those honors.
Reflects his resilience and focus on inner worth over external recognition.
“the eyebrows were not an insignificant part of a man, for that they were able to overshadow the whole life.”
He observed that a person's eyebrows could cast a shadow over their entire life, implying the importance of expression and demeanor.
A characteristic witty saying illustrating his philosophical outlook.
“it was not Plutus alone who was blind, but Fortune also, who acted as his guide.”
He claimed that both wealth and fortune are blind, with fortune leading wealth astray.
A critique of the randomness of fortune and wealth.
“reason had as much influence on government as steel had in war.”
He equated the power of reason in politics to the power of steel in warfare.
Emphasizes the importance of rational deliberation in governance.
“There is a square Mercury with a long robe, a belly, and a beard.”
He described a debauched young man as a statue of Hermes that was square, robed, potbellied, and bearded.
A satirical comment on moral decay and appearance.
“in the case of men elated with pride one ought to cut something off their height, and leave them their spirit.”
He advised reducing the arrogance of proud men while preserving their courage.
A metaphor for tempering hubris without destroying a person's spirit.
