The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Timon explained
This chapter details the life and character of Timon of Phlius, the Skeptic philosopher.
What happens
This chapter details the life and character of Timon of Phlius, the Skeptic philosopher. It covers his early studies in dancing, his philosophical training under Stilpo and Pyrrho, his career as a Sophist, his prolific literary output including the Silloi, his eccentric habits, and his interactions with other philosophers. The chapter also traces the succession of his school down to Sextus Empiricus.
Themes in this chapter
The Philosopher's Life and Character
The chapter extensively describes Timon's personal habits, his fondness for solitude, his indifference to material possessions, and his witty, sometimes abrasive personality.
Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools
The chapter traces the line of succession from Timon through his pupils down to Sextus Empiricus, illustrating the continuity of the Skeptic tradition.
Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Timon's career as a Sophist in Chalcedon and his lampooning of dogmatic philosophers in the Silloi highlight the tension between genuine wisdom and rhetorical sophistry.
Characters to notice
- Timon of Phlius
Main subject of the chapter; Skeptic philosopher, author of the Silloi, known for his wit and solitary lifestyle.
- Stilpo
Timon studied under Stilpo in Megara early in his philosophical career.
- Pyrrho
Timon went to Elis to see Pyrrho and remained there, becoming his follower.
- Arcesilaus
Timon engaged with Arcesilaus, mocking him in the forum and in his Silloi, but also praising him in another work.
- Antigonus of Carystus
Antigonus wrote Timon's life and is cited as a source for details about Timon's habits and works.
- Xenophanes
Timon's Silloi represent him interrogating Xenophanes about philosophical matters.
Key passages
“Come hither, all you over-busy Sophists”
Timon opens his first book of Silloi by calling out to overly active sophists.
This line sets the tone for his satirical attack on dogmatic philosophers.
“What are you doing here, where we freemen are?”
Timon mockingly asks Arcesilaus why he is in the forum of the Cercopes, implying that Arcesilaus is not a free thinker.
Illustrates Timon's sharp wit and his critical view of Arcesilaus.
“Why do you not wonder that we three men have only four eyes between us?”
Timon points out the absurdity of a man who marvels at everything, noting that he, his pupil Dioscorides, and the man have only four eyes total.
Shows Timon's playful use of his own monocular condition to make a philosophical point.