The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers · Character

Theophrastus

Aristotle's eloquent successor at the Lyceum, renamed for his divine speech and remembered for saying time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

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Also known as Strato Theophrastus

First appearance: Theophrastus

As a supporting figure in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Theophrastus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as one from whom Stilpo 'carried off' the philosopher Metrodorus, illustrating Stilpo's influence.

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Born Tyrtamus, he was renamed Theophrastus by Aristotle for the divine character of his eloquence, and he inherited both the Lyceum and Aristotle's son Nicomachus as a charge. His apothegms—better a horse without a bridle than a discourse without arrangement, and the warning that life holds many pleasing deceits through the vanity of glory—show a teacher both practical and melancholy. He matters because he carries the Peripatetic school through political trouble and into old age, and his deathbed counsel to cling to philosophy or abandon it honestly is one of the book's most affecting passages.

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Escalation
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Aftermath
Closing

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Theophrastus appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Stilpo
Mentioned as one from whom Stilpo 'carried off' the philosopher Metrodorus, illustrating Stilpo's influence.
Crantor
Crantor criticized his propositions as written on an oyster shell.
Arcesilaus
Arcesilaus attended his lectures before joining the Academy.
Bion
Bion studied under Theophrastus, the Peripatetic, after leaving Theodorus.
Book V
His vast literary output is cataloged, and his will is presented, showing his care for education and philosophy.
Aristotle
Mentioned as the most eminent of Aristotle's friends and as a guardian of his children and estate in Aristotle's will.
Theophrastus
Central figure of the chapter; successor to Aristotle, known for his eloquence and vast writings.
Strato
Predecessor of Strato in the presidency of the Peripatetic school; mentioned in Strato's will.
Demetrius
Mentioned as the teacher of Demetrius.
Metrocles
Former teacher of Metrocles, whose lectures Metrocles initially attended.
Heraclitus
Cited for his assertion that Heraclitus left works half-finished due to melancholy.
Parmenides
Cited as a source for Parmenides' teachings and his pupil relationship with Anaximander.

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