# Menedemus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

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

## What happens

This chapter details the life, character, and philosophical practices of Menedemus of Eretria, a disciple of Phaedo and Stilpo who founded the Eretrian school. It covers his rigorous and severe nature, his contentious dialectical style, his deep friendship with Asclepiades, his political involvement, and his simple, hospitable lifestyle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ethics and Self-Control

Menedemus's severe and rigorous character, his simple lifestyle, and his emphasis on desiring what is proper exemplify ethical self-control.

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Menedemus's contentious dialectical style and his rejection of negative axioms highlight the tension between genuine wisdom and mere sophistry.

### Political Engagement and Tyranny

Menedemus's outspokenness before the tyrant Nicocreon and his involvement in Eretrian politics illustrate the risks of political engagement under tyranny.

## Character check-ins

### Menedemus of Eretria

Central figure of the chapter; a severe, disputatious philosopher who founded the Eretrian school, known for his freedom of speech, simple habits, and deep friendship with Asclepiades.

### Asclepiades of Phlius

Menedemus's close friend and fellow philosopher; they shared a household and a legendary friendship, with Asclepiades being the elder and more poetical of the two.

### Crates of Thebes

Menedemus's critic; he mocked Menedemus's political involvement and called him 'Agamemnon' and 'Hegesipolis'.

### Stilpo

The philosopher Menedemus admired above all others, calling him a 'gentleman'.

### Antigonus of Carystus

Historian who provided biographical details about Menedemus, noting that he never wrote any works and was contentious in cross-questioning.

### Alexinus

An opponent who engaged Menedemus in dialectical exchanges, including the famous 'have you left off beating your father?' question.

## Key lines

> If the assemblage of such men as are met here today is good, a festival like this ought to be celebrated every day: but if it is not good, even once is too often.

Menedemus told the tyrant Nicocreon that a gathering of philosophers is either so valuable it should happen daily, or so worthless it should never happen at all.

_This remark nearly cost Menedemus and Asclepiades their lives, showing his fearless frankness._

> Do not you know that the cabbage is not the only plant that has a pleasant juice, but that radishes have it also?

Menedemus rebuked a profligate man by pointing out that other humble things also have value, not just the ones he flaunts.

_Illustrates Menedemus's use of simple analogies to criticize vanity._

> It is a much greater good to desire what is proper.

When someone said the greatest good is getting everything you want, Menedemus countered that it is better to want the right things.

_Reflects his ethical emphasis on proper desire over mere success._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/menedemus
- 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