# Pittacus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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