The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Pittacus explained
This chapter details the life, deeds, and sayings of Pittacus of Mitylene, one of the Seven Sages.
What happens
This chapter details the life, deeds, and sayings of Pittacus of Mitylene, one of the Seven Sages. It covers his rise to power as a general and tyrant, his wise governance and resignation, his legal reforms (including double punishment for drunken crimes), his celebrated aphorisms, and his correspondence with Croesus. The chapter also includes anecdotes about his marriage, his physical appearance mocked by Alcaeus, and his merciful release of enemies.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Self-Sufficiency
Pittacus exemplifies self-sufficiency by rejecting Croesus's money, saying he already had twice as much as he wanted, and by consecrating his estate to the god.
Political Engagement and Tyranny
Pittacus rose to power as a tyrant after a military victory, ruled justly for ten years, then voluntarily resigned, demonstrating virtuous political engagement.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Pittacus's practical wisdom is contrasted with empty rhetoric; his aphorisms and legal reforms emphasize truth, good faith, and action over clever speech.
Ethics and Self-Control
His law doubling punishment for crimes committed while drunk aimed to deter drunkenness, and his sayings promote temperance, piety, and careful speech.
Characters to notice
- Pittacus of Mytilene
The central figure of the chapter; a wise lawgiver, general, and former tyrant of Mitylene, known for his aphorisms and just rule.
- Alcaeus
A poet and political opponent of Pittacus, who mocked him with various nicknames and was once released by Pittacus with the saying 'Pardon is better than punishment.'
- Croesus
The wealthy Lydian king who invited Pittacus to Sardis; Pittacus declined the invitation but agreed to meet him as a hospitable man.
- Periander of Corinth
Mentioned as the arbitrator in a territorial dispute between Athens and Mitylene, which he decided in favor of the Athenians.
- Plato
Referenced as quoting Pittacus's saying 'It is a hard thing to be good' in his dialogue Protagoras.
- Simonides
Mentioned as quoting Pittacus's apothegm about the difficulty of being good.
- Heraclitus
Cited as providing an alternative version of the story of Pittacus releasing Alcaeus.
- Phavorinus
Referenced as a source noting there was another lawgiver named Pittacus, called 'Pittacus the less.'
Key passages
“The wise will only face the wicked man, With bow in hand well bent, And quiver full of arrows— For such a tongue as his says nothing true, Prompted by a wily heart To utter double speeches.”
A wise person confronts a wicked person only when fully prepared, because the wicked speak deceitfully with a cunning heart.
This is the most celebrated song composed by Pittacus, illustrating his view on dealing with dishonest adversaries.
“Watch your opportunity.”
Seize the right moment when it comes.
One of Pittacus's well-known sayings, emphasizing the importance of timing.
“Pardon is better than repentance.”
Forgiving someone is better than later regretting a harsh punishment.
Pittacus said this when he released the murderer of his son, and also when he released Alcaeus.
“Even the Gods cannot strive against necessity.”
Even divine beings cannot overcome what is inevitable.
A saying of Pittacus acknowledging the power of necessity.
“Power shows the man.”
A person's true character is revealed when they hold power.
A concise aphorism attributed to Pittacus.
“Do not say beforehand what you are going to do; for if you fail, you will be laughed at.”
Keep your plans to yourself until they are accomplished, to avoid ridicule if they fail.
Practical advice from Pittacus about discretion.
