The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Chapter
Onesicritus explained
This chapter introduces Onesicritus, a disciple of Diogenes, and compares him to Xenophon in terms of their military expeditions and literary works.
What happens
This chapter introduces Onesicritus, a disciple of Diogenes, and compares him to Xenophon in terms of their military expeditions and literary works. It also mentions other pupils of Diogenes, including Menander, Hegesaeus, and Philiscus.
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 readingCharacters to notice
- Onesicritus
A disciple of Diogenes, compared to Xenophon for writing about Alexander's education and a panegyric on Alexander.
- Diogenes of Sinope
Teacher of Onesicritus and several other pupils mentioned in the chapter.
- Xenophon
Compared to Onesicritus for his role in Cyrus's expedition and his writings.
Key passages
“Onesicritus is called by some authors an Aeginetan, but Demetrius the Magnesian affirms that he was a native of Astypalaea.”
Some sources say Onesicritus was from Aegina, but Demetrius of Magnesia claims he was from Astypalaea.
Clarifies the disputed origin of Onesicritus.
“For Xenophon joined in the expedition of Cyrus, and Onesicritus in that of Alexander; and Xenophon wrote the Cyropaedia, and Onesicritus wrote an account of the education of Alexander.”
Just as Xenophon participated in Cyrus's campaign and wrote about him, Onesicritus joined Alexander's campaign and wrote about his education.
Highlights the parallel between Xenophon and Onesicritus.
