The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Monimus explained
Monimus, a Syracusan slave of a Corinthian money-changer, becomes a pupil of Diogenes after feigning madness to escape his master.
What happens
Monimus, a Syracusan slave of a Corinthian money-changer, becomes a pupil of Diogenes after feigning madness to escape his master. He also follows Crates the Cynic and gains renown, even being mentioned by the comic poet Menander. He is known for despising glory and seeking truth, teaching that all opinion is vanity.
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 Climax.
- 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
- Wisdom vs. Sophistry
Monimus scorned common proverbs like 'Know thyself' and taught that all opinion is vanity, emphasizing a rejection of conventional wisdom in favor of truth.
- Ethics and Self-Control
Monimus feigned madness and discarded money to pursue philosophy, demonstrating self-control and ethical commitment over material wealth.
Characters to notice
- Monimus
Syracusan pupil of Diogenes, former slave who feigned madness to join Diogenes, later followed Crates the Cynic.
- Diogenes of Sinope
Monimus's teacher; his excellence inspired Monimus to become his pupil.
- Crates of Thebes
Monimus followed Crates the Cynic and devoted himself to the same studies.
Key passages
“Teaching that all opinion is but vanity.”
He taught that every belief or judgment is ultimately empty and worthless.
Core teaching of Monimus emphasizing the illusory nature of common opinions.
