The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Hippasus explained
A brief account of Hippasus of Metapontum, a Pythagorean philosopher who held that the universe is finite, in perpetual motion, and undergoes change at definite times.
What happens
A brief account of Hippasus of Metapontum, a Pythagorean philosopher who held that the universe is finite, in perpetual motion, and undergoes change at definite times. The chapter also notes that he left no writings and distinguishes him from another Hippasus who wrote about the Lacedaemonian constitution.
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…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Natural Philosophy and Cosmology
Hippasus's views on the finite universe, perpetual motion, and definite cycles of change reflect early Pythagorean cosmological speculation.
- Origins and Succession of Philosophical Schools
Hippasus is identified as a pupil of Pythagoras, illustrating the transmission of ideas within the early Pythagorean tradition.
Characters to notice
- Hippasus of Metapontum
Pupil of Pythagoras; believed the universe is finite and in perpetual motion with definite cycles of change.
- Pythagoras
Mentioned as the teacher of Hippasus.
- Demetrius of Magnesia
Cited as the source for the claim that Hippasus left no writings.
Key passages
“He used to say that the time of the changes of the world was definite, and that the universe also was finite, and in a state of perpetual motion.”
Hippasus taught that the cosmos undergoes transformations at fixed intervals, is limited in extent, and is always moving.
Summarizes Hippasus's core cosmological doctrines.
“Demetrius, in his treatise on People of the Same Name, says that he left no writings behind him.”
According to Demetrius, Hippasus produced no written works.
Indicates the reliance on oral tradition for Hippasus's teachings.
