The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Pherecydes explained
This chapter recounts the life, teachings, and legendary deeds of Pherecydes of Syros, an early Greek philosopher and theologian.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life, teachings, and legendary deeds of Pherecydes of Syros, an early Greek philosopher and theologian. It describes his prophecies, his death by the 'lousy disease,' his relationship with Pythagoras, and his contributions to natural philosophy and theology. The chapter also includes a letter from Pherecydes to Thales and discusses his legacy as one of the Seven Sages.
Themes in this chapter
Natural Philosophy and Cosmology
Pherecydes is credited as the first Greek to write on natural philosophy and the gods, with his work describing the primordial entities Jupiter, Time, and Chthon.
Death and Legacy
The chapter details Pherecydes' death from the lousy disease, his burial in Magnesia, and the various accounts of his end, emphasizing how his wisdom and prophecies continued to be honored after his death.
The Philosopher's Life and Character
Pherecydes is portrayed as a wise man with prophetic abilities, a teacher of Pythagoras, and a figure whose life and death became the subject of proverbs and epigrams.
Characters to notice
- Pherecydes of Syros
Central figure of the chapter; a Syrian philosopher and theologian, pupil of Pittacus, and master of Pythagoras. Known for his prophecies, his work on natural philosophy and the gods, and his death by the lousy disease.
- Pythagoras
Mentioned as a pupil of Pherecydes and as the one who buried him in Delos according to Aristoxenus. Also referenced in the epigram by Ion of Chios.
- Thales
Recipient of a letter from Pherecydes, in which Pherecydes entrusts his book to Thales for publication or safekeeping.
- Pittacus of Mytilene
Mentioned as the teacher of Pherecydes according to Alexander in his Successions.
Key passages
“Pherecydes was a Syrian, the son of Babys, and, as Alexander says in his Successions, he had been a pupil of Pittacus.”
Pherecydes, son of Babys, was a Syrian who studied under Pittacus, according to Alexander's Successions.
Establishes Pherecydes' origins and education.
“Theopompus says that he was the first person who ever wrote among the Greeks on the subject of Natural Philosophy and the Gods.”
Theopompus claims Pherecydes was the first Greek to write about natural philosophy and the gods.
Highlights Pherecydes' pioneering role in Greek philosophy.
“And it is reported that Hercules laid this injunction on him in a dream, and that the same night he appeared also to the kings of Sparta, and enjoined them to be guided by Pherecydes; but some attribute these stories to Pythagoras.”
Hercules supposedly commanded Pherecydes in a dream to tell the Spartans to honor neither gold nor silver, and the same dream appeared to the Spartan kings; however, some say this story belongs to Pythagoras.
Illustrates the legendary and divine associations of Pherecydes' wisdom.
“But others say that he died of the lousy disease; and when Pythagoras came to see him, and asked him how he was, he put his finger through the door and said: 'You may see by my skin.'”
Some accounts say Pherecydes died from a disease caused by lice; when Pythagoras visited, he showed his condition by sticking his finger through the door, saying 'You can tell by my skin.'
Describes the famous anecdote of Pherecydes' illness and the origin of a philosophical proverb.
“I have charged my servants to convey this book of mine to you after they have buried me. And do you, if you think fit, after consulting with the other wise men, publish it; but if you do not approve of doing so, then keep it unpublished, for I am not entirely pleased with it myself.”
Pherecydes instructs his servants to give his book to Thales after his burial, and asks Thales to consult with other wise men and decide whether to publish it, as he himself is not fully satisfied with it.
Reveals Pherecydes' humility and his trust in Thales regarding his philosophical work.
