The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Periander explained
This chapter details the life and tyranny of Periander of Corinth, a ruler of the Heraclid family.
What happens
This chapter details the life and tyranny of Periander of Corinth, a ruler of the Heraclid family. It recounts his rise to power, his violent acts including the killing of his wife Melissa and the burning of his concubines, his conflict with his son Lycophron, and his eventual death. The text also explores his philosophical sayings, his correspondence with other wise men, and the debate over whether there were two men named Periander—one a tyrant and one a sage.
Themes in this chapter
Political Engagement and Tyranny
Periander's rule exemplifies the nature of tyranny in ancient Greece, including the use of violence, suppression of rivals, and the tension between absolute power and wisdom.
Death and Legacy
The chapter explores Periander's death, his secret tomb, and his enduring reputation as both a tyrant and a wise man, highlighting the complexity of his legacy.
Ethics and Self-Control
Periander's sayings emphasize moderation, honor, and the dangers of rashness, contrasting with his own violent actions and illustrating the ethical tensions in his character.
Characters to notice
- Periander of Corinth
The central figure of the chapter, a tyrant of Corinth known for his wisdom, violence, and political maneuvering.
- Procles
Tyrant of Epidaurus, father of Periander's wife Melissa, and recipient of a letter from Periander regarding their son.
- Thrasybulus
Tyrant of Miletus who corresponded with Periander, advising him on preserving power by eliminating prominent citizens.
- Aristotle
Cited as a source on Periander's tyranny and the debate over whether the wise Periander was the Corinthian tyrant.
- Heraclides Ponticus
Referenced for his account of Periander's family and the story of his wife's death.
- Plato
Mentioned as contradicting Aristotle's claim that the wise Periander was the Corinthian tyrant.
Key passages
“Practice does everything.”
Habit and repeated effort are all-powerful.
A saying attributed to Periander, emphasizing the importance of practice in achieving mastery.
“Tranquillity is a good thing. —Rashness is dangerous. —Gain is disgraceful. —Democracy is better than tyranny. —Pleasures are transitory, but honor is immortal.”
Calmness is beneficial, impulsiveness is harmful, profit-seeking is shameful, popular rule is preferable to autocracy, and while pleasures fade, honor lasts forever.
A collection of Periander's moral maxims reflecting his philosophical views.
“Those who wished to wield absolute power in safety, should be guarded by the good will of their countrymen, and not by arms.”
To rule securely, a tyrant should rely on the loyalty of citizens rather than military force.
Periander's advice on the foundation of stable tyranny, contrasting with his own use of violence.