# Hippasus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

A brief account of Hippasus of Metapontum, a Pythagorean philosopher who held that the universe is finite, in perpetual motion, and undergoes change at definite times. The chapter also notes that he left no writings and distinguishes him from another Hippasus who wrote about the Lacedaemonian constitution.

## Themes in this chapter

### Natural Philosophy and Cosmology

Hippasus's views on the finite universe, perpetual motion, and definite cycles of change reflect early Pythagorean cosmological speculation.

### Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools

Hippasus is identified as a pupil of Pythagoras, illustrating the transmission of ideas within the early Pythagorean tradition.

## Character check-ins

### Hippasus of Metapontum

Pupil of Pythagoras; believed the universe is finite and in perpetual motion with definite cycles of change.

### Pythagoras

Mentioned as the teacher of Hippasus.

### Demetrius of Magnesia

Cited as the source for the claim that Hippasus left no writings.

## Key lines

> He used to say that the time of the changes of the world was definite, and that the universe also was finite, and in a state of perpetual motion.

Hippasus taught that the cosmos undergoes transformations at fixed intervals, is limited in extent, and is always moving.

_Summarizes Hippasus's core cosmological doctrines._

> Demetrius, in his treatise on People of the Same Name, says that he left no writings behind him.

According to Demetrius, Hippasus produced no written works.

_Indicates the reliance on oral tradition for Hippasus's teachings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/hippasus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters