# Bion of Borysthenes — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers character guide

> Bion of Borysthenes in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bion the Borysthenite

**First appearance:** 0042-bion

## Snapshot

A wandering Cynic-turned-Theodorean whose sharp sayings and shifting allegiances made him a philosopher of no fixed school.

## Who they are

Bion of Borysthenes drifts from Cynicism into the Cyrenaic sect, earning the label Theodorean and a reputation for wit rather than system. He leaves behind eminent pupils including Arcesilaus, and his name is invoked among the many Crateses and philosophical lineages that crowd Diogenes' catalogue. His restlessness embodies the Hellenistic habit of borrowing from every school while pledging loyalty to none.

## In the story

### [Xenocrates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/xenocrates)

Ridiculed Xenocrates, who compared Bion's comedy to tragedy and refused to reply.

### [Crates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/crates)

A disciple of Crates who later became known as a Theodorean.

### [Bion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/bion)

The subject of the chapter; a versatile and subtle philosopher known for his wit, impiety, and eclectic philosophical training.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/bion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters