The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Democritus explained
This chapter details the life, travels, teachings, and legacy of Democritus of Abdera, the atomist philosopher.
What happens
This chapter details the life, travels, teachings, and legacy of Democritus of Abdera, the atomist philosopher. It covers his education under Leucippus and possibly Anaxagoras, his extensive travels to Egypt, Persia, and India, his frugal and industrious habits, his atomic theory and ethical doctrine of cheerfulness (εὐθυμία), his extensive writings, and his death at an advanced age. It also recounts anecdotes about his interactions with Hippocrates and Plato's attempted suppression of his works.
Themes in this chapter
Natural Philosophy and Cosmology
Democritus's atomic theory posits that atoms and the void are the fundamental principles of the universe, explaining all phenomena through mechanical necessity.
Ethics and Self-Control
Democritus identifies the chief good as cheerfulness (εὐθυμία), a state of calm and steady living free from fear and passion, distinct from mere pleasure.
Death and Legacy
The chapter recounts Democritus's remarkable death, his posthumous honors, and the attempted suppression of his works by Plato, highlighting his enduring influence.
Characters to notice
- Democritus
Subject of the chapter; atomist philosopher, pupil of Leucippus, known for his atomic theory and ethics of cheerfulness.
- Leucippus
Teacher of Democritus; his work 'The Great World' is sometimes attributed to Leucippus.
- Anaxagoras
Older contemporary and alleged teacher of Democritus; Democritus criticized his theories.
- Socrates
Democritus is said to have met Socrates in Athens without being recognized.
- Hippocrates
Visited Democritus; Democritus demonstrated his knowledge by identifying the milk of a black goat.
- Plato
Plato allegedly wished to burn Democritus's writings but was dissuaded by Pythagoreans.
Key passages
“Speech is the shadow of action.”
Words are merely a reflection of deeds.
Democritus's aphorism emphasizes the primacy of action over speech.
“He used to practice himself in testing perceptions in various manners; sometimes retiring into solitary places, and spending his time even among tombs.”
He trained himself to examine perceptions by various methods, often withdrawing to solitary spots and even spending time in graveyards.
Describes Democritus's methodical and unconventional approach to understanding perception.
“That atoms and the vacuum were the beginning of the universe, and that everything else existed only in opinion.”
Atoms and empty space are the fundamental realities; all other things are merely matters of convention or appearance.
Core tenet of Democritus's atomism, distinguishing between objective reality and subjective experience.