The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Empedocles explained
This chapter details the life, teachings, and legacy of Empedocles of Agrigentum.
What happens
This chapter details the life, teachings, and legacy of Empedocles of Agrigentum. It covers his noble lineage, his education under Pythagoras and Parmenides, his political career, his reputation as a physician and magician, his poetic and rhetorical skill, and the various accounts of his death. The text also explores his philosophical contributions, his claim to divinity, and his influence on later thinkers.
Themes in this chapter
Natural Philosophy and Cosmology
Empedocles is known for his system of natural philosophy, including his theories on the four elements and cosmic forces.
Death and Legacy
The chapter discusses multiple accounts of Empedocles' death, including the legend of his disappearance and claim to immortality.
Political Engagement and Tyranny
Empedocles was politically active, opposing tyranny and reforming the council of Agrigentum.
Characters to notice
- Empedocles
Main subject of the chapter; philosopher, poet, physician, and political figure from Agrigentum.
- Pythagoras
Empedocles is said to have been a pupil of Pythagoras and later divulged his doctrines.
- Parmenides
Empedocles is described as an imitator and rival of Parmenides in his poems.
- Anaxagoras
Empedocles imitated the pompous demeanour and way of life of Anaxagoras.
- Zeno of Citium
Zeno is credited with inventing dialectics, and was a fellow pupil of Parmenides alongside Empedocles.
- Aristotle
Aristotle is cited multiple times regarding Empedocles' rhetoric, poetry, and character.
Key passages
“And all the drugs which can relieve disease, Or soften the approach of age, shall be Revealed to your inquiries; I do know them, And I to you alone will them disclose. You shall restrain the fierce unbridled winds, Which, rushing o'er the earth, bow down the corn, And crush the farmer's hopes. And when you will, You shall recall them back to sweep the land: Then you shall learn to dry the rainy clouds, And bid warm summer cheer the heart of men. Again, at your behest, the drought shall yield To wholesome show'rs: when you give the word Hell shall restore its dead.”
Empedocles claims to possess knowledge of medicines that cure disease and delay aging, control the winds, bring rain or drought, and even raise the dead.
This passage illustrates Empedocles' self-presentation as a master of natural and supernatural powers.
“Friends who the mighty citadel inhabit, Which crowns the golden waves of Acragas Votaries of noble actions, Hail to ye; I, an immortal God, no longer mortal, Now live among you well revered by all, As is my due, crowned with holy fillets And rosy garlands.”
Empedocles addresses the citizens of Agrigentum, declaring himself an immortal god living among them and deserving of reverence.
This reflects Empedocles' claim to divinity and his charismatic authority.
“The men of Agrigentum devote themselves wholly to luxury as if they were to die tomorrow, but they furnish their houses as if they were to live forever.”
Empedocles criticizes the citizens of Agrigentum for their excessive indulgence in luxury and contradictory attitudes toward life and death.
This aphorism highlights Empedocles' moral critique of his society.
