The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Metrocles explained
Metrocles, brother of Hipparchia, initially studied under Theophrastus but fell into despair after a perceived disgrace during a lecture.
What happens
Metrocles, brother of Hipparchia, initially studied under Theophrastus but fell into despair after a perceived disgrace during a lecture. Crates consoled him, convincing him that natural bodily functions are not shameful, and Metrocles became Crates' pupil, burning his previous writings. He became a distinguished philosopher, taught several pupils, and died by suffocation at an advanced age.
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
- Ethics and Self-Control
Metrocles' initial shame over a natural bodily function and Crates' argument that such acts are not blameworthy illustrate Cynic ethics regarding self-control and natural impulses.
- Death and Legacy
Metrocles' death by self-suffocation and his list of pupils highlight his lasting influence and the manner of his end.
Characters to notice
- Metrocles
Brother of Hipparchia, former pupil of Theophrastus, later pupil of Crates; burned his writings and became a distinguished philosopher.
- Hipparchia of Maroneia
Sister of Metrocles, mentioned as his sibling.
- Theophrastus
Former teacher of Metrocles, whose lectures Metrocles initially attended.
- Crates of Thebes
The Cynic philosopher who consoled Metrocles and became his teacher.
- Menedemus of Eretria
Pupil of Metrocles, mentioned as a later successor.
Key passages
“These are the phantoms of infernal dreams;”
He dismissed his earlier writings as mere illusions or worthless fancies.
Metrocles quoted Homer (Odyssey) to describe his burned works as insubstantial.
“Vulcan, draw near, ’tis Thetis asks your aid.”
He called on fire to destroy his Theophrastean notes, as if invoking Hephaestus.
Alternative version of the burning, referencing the Iliad.
“some things could be bought with money, as for instance a house; and some with time and industry, as education; that wealth was mischievous, if a man did not use it properly.”
Material goods require money, but education requires effort; wealth is harmful unless used wisely.
Metrocles' aphorism on the proper use of resources.
