The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Epicharmus explained
Epicharmus, a native of Cos and pupil of Pythagoras, was brought to Megara in Sicily as an infant and later moved to Syracuse.
What happens
Epicharmus, a native of Cos and pupil of Pythagoras, was brought to Megara in Sicily as an infant and later moved to Syracuse. He was renowned for his wisdom, as reflected in the inscription on his statue. He wrote commentaries on natural philosophy, apothegms, and medicine, with notes asserting his authorship. He died at age ninety.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Monimus’s feigned madness and destruction of the money is the emotional and psychological peak because it dram…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Natural Philosophy and Cosmology
Epicharmus wrote commentaries treating natural philosophy, continuing the Pythagorean tradition of exploring the natural world.
- Death and Legacy
Epicharmus died at age ninety, leaving behind a body of work that includes commentaries, apothegms, and medical writings, with his authorship clearly marked.
Characters to notice
- Epicharmus
Native of Cos, pupil of Pythagoras, brought to Megara and Syracuse, author of commentaries on natural philosophy, medicine, and apothegms.
- Pythagoras
Mentioned as the teacher of Epicharmus.
Key passages
“As the bright sun excels the other stars, As the sea far exceeds the river streams: So does sage Epicharmus men surpass, Whom hospitable Syracuse has crowned.”
Just as the sun outshines all stars and the sea surpasses rivers, so does the wise Epicharmus exceed other men, honored by Syracuse.
Inscription on Epicharmus's statue praising his wisdom and his connection to Syracuse.
