# Monimus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

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

## What happens

Monimus, a Syracusan slave of a Corinthian money-changer, becomes a pupil of Diogenes after feigning madness to escape his master. He also follows Crates the Cynic and gains renown, even being mentioned by the comic poet Menander. He is known for despising glory and seeking truth, teaching that all opinion is vanity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom vs. Sophistry

Monimus scorned common proverbs like 'Know thyself' and taught that all opinion is vanity, emphasizing a rejection of conventional wisdom in favor of truth.

### Ethics and Self-Control

Monimus feigned madness and discarded money to pursue philosophy, demonstrating self-control and ethical commitment over material wealth.

## Character check-ins

### Monimus

Syracusan pupil of Diogenes, former slave who feigned madness to join Diogenes, later followed Crates the Cynic.

### Diogenes of Sinope

Monimus's teacher; his excellence inspired Monimus to become his pupil.

### Crates of Thebes

Monimus followed Crates the Cynic and devoted himself to the same studies.

## Key lines

> Teaching that all opinion is but vanity.

He taught that every belief or judgment is ultimately empty and worthless.

_Core teaching of Monimus emphasizing the illusory nature of common opinions._

## Links

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