The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Xenophon explained
This chapter details the life of Xenophon, an Athenian citizen and follower of Socrates.
What happens
This chapter details the life of Xenophon, an Athenian citizen and follower of Socrates. It covers his initial encounter with Socrates, his military expedition with Cyrus, his subsequent banishment from Athens, his life in Scillus and later Corinth, and his death at an advanced age. The text also highlights his literary works, his rivalry with Plato, and his reputation for piety, horsemanship, and tactical skill.
Themes in this chapter
The Philosopher's Life and Character
The chapter focuses on Xenophon's personal virtues, his relationship with Socrates, and his conduct in exile and battle.
Death and Legacy
Xenophon's death at an advanced age, his son Gryllus's heroic death at Mantinea, and the many panegyrics written about Gryllus highlight themes of mortality and posthumous fame.
Characters to notice
- Xenophon
Main subject of the chapter; an Athenian, follower of Socrates, historian, and soldier.
- Socrates
Xenophon's mentor who guided him to philosophy and advised him regarding Cyrus.
- Aristotle
Mentioned as noting that many writers composed panegyrics on Xenophon's son Gryllus.
- Plato
Xenophon felt a spirit of rivalry with Plato, and they are compared in terms of their diction.
- Timon of Phlius
Quoted as ridiculing Xenophon's writing style.
- Demetrius of Magnesia
Cited as a source for details about Xenophon's life and works.
Key passages
“They say that Socrates met him in a narrow lane, and put his stick across it, and prevented him from passing by, asking him where all kinds of necessary things were sold. And when he had answered him, he asked him again where men were made good and virtuous. And as he did not know, he said, 'Follow me, then, and learn.'”
Socrates famously stopped Xenophon in a narrow street, blocking his path with a stick, and questioned him about where everyday goods were sold. After Xenophon answered, Socrates then asked where people become good and virtuous. When Xenophon could not answer, Socrates invited him to follow and learn, thus beginning Xenophon's philosophical education.
This anecdote illustrates Socrates' method of engaging potential students through questioning.
“And he was the first person who took down conversations as they occurred, and published them among men, calling them memorabilia. He was also the first man who wrote a history of philosophers.”
Xenophon is credited as the first to record and publish Socratic dialogues, which he called 'Memorabilia,' and also as the first to write a history of philosophers.
Highlights Xenophon's pioneering role in preserving Socratic thought and philosophical history.
“And after the battle, they say that Xenophon offered sacrifice, wearing a crown on his head; but when the news of the death of his son arrived, he took off the crown; but after that, hearing that he had fallen gloriously, he put the crown on again. And some say that he did not even shed a tear, but said, 'I knew that I was the father of a mortal man.'”
Upon learning of his son Gryllus's death in battle, Xenophon initially removed his sacrificial crown in grief, but when he heard that his son had died honorably, he replaced it. Some sources claim he did not weep, remarking that he always knew his son was mortal.
This story exemplifies Xenophon's Stoic acceptance of mortality and his pride in his son's noble death.
