# Crates of Thebes — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers character guide

> Crates of Thebes in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Cynic Crates, Crates the Cynic

**First appearance:** 0058-crates

## Snapshot

The Cynic who gave away his fortune to live in poverty, mocking desire with jokes sharp enough to cure a rich man of love.

## Who they are

Crates of Thebes abandons his wealth for the Cynic life, and his wit becomes a weapon: told of a rich man in love with an ugly woman, he offers to find a prettier one for ten talents. He writes dialogues on riches, pleasure, justice, and friendship, and his reputation is such that Aristotle reportedly paid three talents for his books. His presence in the Lives marks the moment Cynic shamelessness becomes a serious philosophical position rather than mere street theater.

## In the story

### [Anacharsis, the Scythian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/anacharsis-the-scythian)

Mentioned indirectly as part of the Cynic tradition; Anacharsis is often associated with Cynic ideals of simplicity.

### [Stilpo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/stilpo)

A Cynic philosopher who engages in several witty exchanges with Stilpo, including a famous fig anecdote and a remark about needing a new garment.

### [Menedemus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/menedemus)

Menedemus's critic; he mocked Menedemus's political involvement and called him 'Agamemnon' and 'Hegesipolis'.

### [Polemo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/polemo)

Present with Polemo when Nicostratus the poet reads; Crates is moved while Polemo remains unmoved.

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

Son of Antigenes, pupil and successor of Polemo, known for his close friendship with Polemo and his philosophical writings.

### [Arcesilaus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/arcesilaus)

Arcesilaus succeeded him as head of the Academy.

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

Bion became a disciple of Crates early in his career, adopting the Cynic cloak and wallet.

### [Book VI: The Cynics and the Rise of Stoicism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/book-vi)

Cynic philosopher; disciple of Diogenes; teacher of Zeno of Citium; known for temperance and patience; part of the Cynic tradition.

### [Monimus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/monimus)

Monimus followed Crates the Cynic and devoted himself to the same studies.

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

Main subject of the chapter; a Cynic philosopher who gave away his wealth, practiced endurance, and was known for his witty sayings and unconventional lifestyle.

### [Metrocles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/metrocles)

The Cynic philosopher who consoled Metrocles and became his teacher.

### [Hipparchia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/hipparchia)

The Cynic philosopher whom Hipparchia marries; he tries to dissuade her but ultimately accepts her commitment.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/characters/crates
- 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