# The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers — Character guide

> Key figures in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

- [Plato](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/plato.md): Founder of the Academy and central figure in Greek philosophy, extensively quoted and discussed.
- [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/socrates.md): Athenian philosopher whose teachings and method are foundational to Western thought.
- [Diogenes of Sinope](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/diogenes.md): Cynic philosopher known for his ascetic lifestyle and sharp wit.
- [Zeno of Citium](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/zeno.md): Founder of the Stoic school of philosophy.
- [Epicurus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/epicurus.md): Founder of Epicurean philosophy, emphasizing pleasure and atomism.
- [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/aristotle.md): Philosopher and polymath, student of Plato and tutor of Alexander the Great.
- [Pythagoras](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/pythagoras.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and mathematician, founder of Pythagoreanism.
- [Thales](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/thales.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher from Miletus, considered one of the Seven Sages.
- [Heraclitus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/heraclitus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher known for his doctrine of change and flux.
- [Democritus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/democritus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher who developed the atomic theory of the universe.
- [Antisthenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/antisthenes.md): Founder of the Cynic school and a student of Socrates.
- [Chrysippus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/chrysippus.md): Stoic philosopher, third head of the Stoic school.
- [Empedocles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/empedocles.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher who proposed the four classical elements.
- [Xenophon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/xenophon.md): Athenian historian and soldier, student of Socrates.
- [Solon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/solon.md): Athenian statesman and lawgiver, one of the Seven Sages.
- [Pyrrho](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/pyrrho.md): Founder of Pyrrhonism, the school of philosophical skepticism.
- [Anaxagoras](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/anaxagoras.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher who introduced the concept of Nous (Mind).
- [Protagoras](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/protagoras.md): Sophist philosopher known for 'Man is the measure of all things.'
- [Parmenides](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/parmenides.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher from Elea, known for his ontology.
- [Cleanthes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/cleanthes.md): Stoic philosopher who succeeded Zeno as head of the school.
- [Arcesilaus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/arcesilaus.md): Greek philosopher who became head of the Platonic Academy.
- [Carneades](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/carneades.md): Head of the Platonic Academy, known for his skeptical arguments.
- [Theophrastus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/theophrastus.md): Peripatetic philosopher who succeeded Aristotle as head of the Lyceum.
- [Strato of Lampsacus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/strato.md): Peripatetic philosopher and third head of the Lyceum.
- [Xenocrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/xenocrates.md): Platonic philosopher and third head of the Academy.
- [Polemo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/polemo.md): Platonic philosopher and head of the Academy.
- [Crates of Thebes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/crates.md): Cynic philosopher who gave away his wealth to live in poverty.
- [Bion of Borysthenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/bion.md): Cynic and later Cyrenaic philosopher known for his witty sayings.
- [Menedemus of Eretria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/menedemus.md): Greek philosopher and founder of the Eretrian school.
- [Stilpo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/stilpo.md): Megarian philosopher known for his logical paradoxes.
- [Euclides of Megara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/euclides.md): Founder of the Megarian school of philosophy.
- [Aristippus of Cyrene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/aristippus.md): Founder of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy, student of Socrates.
- [Anaximenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/anaximenes.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher from Miletus who believed air was the arche.
- [Anaximander](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/anaximander.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher who proposed the apeiron as the first principle.
- [Xenophanes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/xenophanes.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and poet, critic of anthropomorphic gods.
- [Melissus of Samos](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/melissus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and a key figure in the Eleatic school.
- [Leucippus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/leucippus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher credited with founding atomism.
- [Diogenes of Apollonia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/diogenes_of_apollonia.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher who believed air was the primary substance.
- [Anaxarchus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/anaxarchus.md): Greek philosopher of the school of Democritus, known for his equanimity.
- [Timon of Phlius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/timon.md): Skeptic philosopher and poet, student of Pyrrho.
- [Heraclides Ponticus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/heraclides_ponticus.md): Platonic philosopher and astronomer who proposed a heliocentric model.
- [Demetrius of Phalerum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/demetrius_phalereus.md): Athenian orator and statesman, later a librarian at Alexandria.
- [Lycon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/lycon.md): Peripatetic philosopher who succeeded Strato as head of the Lyceum.
- [Speusippus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/speusippus.md): Platonic philosopher who succeeded Plato as head of the Academy.
- [Crantor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/crantor.md): Platonic philosopher known for his commentary on Plato's Timaeus.
- [Lacydes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/lacydes.md): Platonic philosopher who became head of the Academy.
- [Clitomachus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/clitomachus.md): Carthaginian philosopher who became head of the Platonic Academy.
- [Ariston of Chios](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/ariston.md): Stoic philosopher who studied under Zeno.
- [Herillus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/herillus.md): Stoic philosopher who studied under Zeno.
- [Dionysius of Heraclea](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/dionysius.md): Stoic philosopher who later became a Cyrenaic.
- [Sphaerus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/sphaerus.md): Stoic philosopher, student of Zeno and Cleanthes.
- [Epicharmus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/epicharmus.md): Greek comic playwright and philosopher from Cos.
- [Archytas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/archytas.md): Pythagorean philosopher, mathematician, and statesman.
- [Alcmaeon of Croton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/alcmaeon.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and medical theorist.
- [Hippasus of Metapontum](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/hippasus.md): Pythagorean philosopher credited with discovering irrational numbers.
- [Philolaus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/philolaus.md): Pythagorean philosopher who proposed a central fire in the universe.
- [Eudoxus of Cnidus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/eudoxus.md): Greek astronomer, mathematician, and student of Plato.
- [Pittacus of Mytilene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/pittacus.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, a statesman from Mytilene.
- [Bias of Priene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/bias.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, known for his legal maxims.
- [Cleobulus of Lindos](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/cleobulus.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, a poet and tyrant of Lindos.
- [Periander of Corinth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/periander.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, a tyrant of Corinth.
- [Anacharsis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/anacharsis.md): Scythian philosopher who traveled to Greece and was known for his wisdom.
- [Myson of Chenae](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/myson.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, known for his laconic wisdom.
- [Epimenides of Crete](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/epimenides.md): Cretan philosopher and prophet, known for the paradox of the liar.
- [Pherecydes of Syros](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/pherecydes.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and teacher of Pythagoras.
- [Archelaus of Athens](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/archelaus.md): Pre-Socratic philosopher and student of Anaxagoras, teacher of Socrates.
- [Aeschines of Sphettus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/aeschines.md): Socratic philosopher and writer of dialogues.
- [Phaedo of Elis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/phaedo.md): Greek philosopher and founder of the Elean school, student of Socrates.
- [Crito of Alopece](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/crito.md): Wealthy Athenian friend and student of Socrates.
- [Simon the Shoemaker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/simon.md): Athenian shoemaker and friend of Socrates, known for his dialogues.
- [Glauco](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/glauco.md): Athenian philosopher and student of Socrates.
- [Simias of Thebes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/simias.md): Theban philosopher and student of Socrates.
- [Cebes of Thebes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/cebes.md): Theban philosopher and student of Socrates.
- [Monimus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/monimus.md): Cynic philosopher who studied under Diogenes of Sinope.
- [Onesicritus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/onesicritus.md): Cynic philosopher and historian who accompanied Alexander the Great.
- [Metrocles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/metrocles.md): Cynic philosopher who studied under Crates.
- [Hipparchia of Maroneia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/hipparchia.md): Cynic philosopher who married Crates and lived in poverty.
- [Menippus of Gadara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/menippus.md): Cynic philosopher and satirist, known for his seriocomic style.
- [Chilo of Sparta](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/chilo.md): One of the Seven Sages of Greece, a Spartan lawgiver.
- [Antigonus of Carystus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/antigonus.md): Greek writer and biographer of philosophers.
- [Apollodorus of Athens](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/apollodorus.md): Greek scholar and writer, known for his chronicle of philosophers.
- [Phavorinus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/phavorinus.md): Greek philosopher and sophist, known for his eclectic works.
- [Hermippus of Smyrna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/hermippus.md): Greek biographer and historian of philosophy.
- [Demetrius of Magnesia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/demetrius_magnesian.md): Greek grammarian and biographer of philosophers.

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