Diogenes Laertius: Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Vol. 1 (Loeb)

problems which puzzle the professional historian. What, for example, was the naval battle, upon the result of which Arcesilaus would not offer congratulations? (iv. 39). What were the events which led to the bankruptcy of Hipparchus? (v. 55). What is the truth about the alleged decree of the Athenians conferring on Zeno a golden crown? (vii. 10-12). Other passages also can only be cleared up by reference to the political conditions of the time. Much relevant information is given by Plutarch’s Life of Demetrius; where Plutarch fails, I have derived much help from the Antigonus Gonatas of Mr. Tarn, who has made instructive use of allusions in Laertius.

Interest in philosophical questions becomes, indeed, often almost a secondary consideration with Laertius. Yet he shows concern here and there to gain credit for not neglecting this branch of his subject. On the philosophy of the Cyrenaics (Book II), the Cynics (Book VI), and the Stoics (Book VII), he goes on at length. Epicurus is allowed to speak for himself.

To sum up: the Lives and Opinions of the Philosophers belongs rather to literature than to philosophy. It is a contribution to the biography of men of letters who happened to be philosophers. It has unique value, because so little ancient biography of this sort has come down to us. Its attractiveness and importance are the greater just because there is so little of Laertius in it. In the main, he reproduces what he has received. We are able to compare his Pythagoras with those of Iamblichus and Porphyry, his Plato with that of Olympiodorus, and his Solon with Plutarch’s, and in none of these comparisons does he have any reason to be ashamed.