# Metrocles explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

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

## What happens

Metrocles, brother of Hipparchia, initially studied under Theophrastus but fell into despair after a perceived disgrace during a lecture. Crates consoled him, convincing him that natural bodily functions are not shameful, and Metrocles became Crates' pupil, burning his previous writings. He became a distinguished philosopher, taught several pupils, and died by suffocation at an advanced age.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ethics and Self-Control

Metrocles' initial shame over a natural bodily function and Crates' argument that such acts are not blameworthy illustrate Cynic ethics regarding self-control and natural impulses.

### Death and Legacy

Metrocles' death by self-suffocation and his list of pupils highlight his lasting influence and the manner of his end.

## Character check-ins

### Metrocles

Brother of Hipparchia, former pupil of Theophrastus, later pupil of Crates; burned his writings and became a distinguished philosopher.

### Hipparchia of Maroneia

Sister of Metrocles, mentioned as his sibling.

### Theophrastus

Former teacher of Metrocles, whose lectures Metrocles initially attended.

### Crates of Thebes

The Cynic philosopher who consoled Metrocles and became his teacher.

### Menedemus of Eretria

Pupil of Metrocles, mentioned as a later successor.

## Key lines

> These are the phantoms of infernal dreams;

He dismissed his earlier writings as mere illusions or worthless fancies.

_Metrocles quoted Homer (Odyssey) to describe his burned works as insubstantial._

> Vulcan, draw near, ’tis Thetis asks your aid.

He called on fire to destroy his Theophrastean notes, as if invoking Hephaestus.

_Alternative version of the burning, referencing the Iliad._

> some things could be bought with money, as for instance a house; and some with time and industry, as education; that wealth was mischievous, if a man did not use it properly.

Material goods require money, but education requires effort; wealth is harmful unless used wisely.

_Metrocles' aphorism on the proper use of resources._

## Links

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