The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Myson explained
This chapter recounts the life and character of Myson, one of the seven wise men, including his obscure origins, the Delphic oracle's pronouncement of his wisdom, his misanthropic habits, and his death at age ninety-seven.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life and character of Myson, one of the seven wise men, including his obscure origins, the Delphic oracle's pronouncement of his wisdom, his misanthropic habits, and his death at age ninety-seven.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Myson's wisdom is affirmed by the Delphic oracle and contrasted with the obscurity of his origins, highlighting the theme of true wisdom versus reputation.
Death and Legacy
The chapter concludes with Myson's death at age ninety-seven, and discusses how his sayings and doings were sometimes attributed to others due to his obscurity.
Characters to notice
- Myson of Chenae
The subject of the chapter; a wise man known for his misanthropy and obscure village origins.
- Anacharsis
Inquires at Delphi about who is wiser than he, leading to the oracle naming Myson.
- Thales
Referenced in connection with the oracle's answer about Chilo.
- Plato
Mentions Myson in his Protagoras, placing him among the wise men instead of Periander.
- Periander of Corinth
Replaced by Myson in Plato's list of wise men.
Key passages
“men ought not to seek for things in words, but for words in things; for that things are not made on account of words, but that words are put together for the sake of things.”
People should not look for reality in language, but rather use language to express reality, since words exist to serve things, not the other way around.
Myson's key saying emphasizes the priority of substance over rhetoric.