The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Heraclides explained
This chapter details the life, works, and death of Heraclides of Pontus, a wealthy philosopher who studied under Speusippus, the Pythagoreans, Plato, and Aristotle.
What happens
This chapter details the life, works, and death of Heraclides of Pontus, a wealthy philosopher who studied under Speusippus, the Pythagoreans, Plato, and Aristotle. Known for his delicate attire and noble demeanor, he authored numerous dialogues on ethics, physics, grammar, music, rhetoric, and history. The chapter recounts his attempt to fake his own death and deification using a serpent, which was exposed, and an alternative account of his death involving bribery of the Pythian oracle, a golden crown, and a serpent bite. It also mentions accusations of plagiarism and forgery against him, and lists fourteen other men named Heraclides.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Legacy
The chapter focuses on Heraclides' elaborate attempts to secure a divine legacy after death, including the serpent deception and the oracle bribery, both of which ultimately failed and exposed his true character.
The Philosopher's Life and Character
Heraclides is portrayed as a wealthy, well-dressed, and dignified man, but also as deceitful and ambitious, highlighting the contrast between his outward appearance and his moral failings.
Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools
Heraclides' education under Speusippus, the Pythagoreans, Plato, and Aristotle illustrates the interconnectedness and succession of philosophical traditions in Athens.
Characters to notice
- Heraclides Ponticus
Main subject of the chapter; wealthy philosopher from Heraclea, student of Speusippus, Pythagoreans, Plato, and Aristotle; known for his delicate garments and large stature; authored many works; attempted to fake his death and deification with a serpent; also accused of bribing the Pythian oracle.
- Speusippus
First teacher of Heraclides in Athens.
- Aristotle
Last teacher of Heraclides, as per Sotion's Successions.
- Demetrius of Magnesia
Source for the account of Heraclides slaying a tyrant and the serpent deception.
- Hermippus of Smyrna
Source for the alternative account of Heraclides' death involving bribery of the Pythian oracle.
- Aristoxenus
Musician who claimed Heraclides composed tragedies and attributed them to Thespis.
Key passages
“He used to wear delicate garments, and was a man of great size, so that he was nicknamed by the Athenians Pompicus instead of Ponticus.”
Because of his large stature and fancy clothing, the Athenians called him 'Pompicus' (meaning pompous) instead of 'Ponticus' (from Pontus).
Highlights Heraclides' distinctive appearance and the Athenians' mocking nickname.
“He appears to have delivered his country when it was under the yoke of tyrants, by slaying the monarch, as Demetrius of Magnesia tells us.”
According to Demetrius of Magnesia, Heraclides freed his homeland from tyranny by killing the tyrant.
Describes Heraclides' heroic act of tyrannicide.
“You wish’d, O Heraclides, when you died, To leave a strange belief among mankind, That you, when dead, a serpent had become. But all your calculations were deceived, For this your serpent was indeed a beast, And you were thus discovered and pronounced another.”
Heraclides wanted people to think he turned into a serpent after death, but his plan backfired and he was exposed as a fraud.
Epigram mocking Heraclides' failed attempt at posthumous deification.
