# Timon of Phlius — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers character guide

> Timon of Phlius in The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Timon Apollonides, Timon the Phliasian

**First appearance:** 0092-timon

## Snapshot

The sharp-tongued skeptic poet who turned philosophy into satire and followed Pyrrho into a life of suspended judgment.

## Who they are

Timon of Phlius was a student of Pyrrho and a writer of biting satirical verse, using his Silloi to skewer the pretensions of dogmatic philosophers across the schools. He admired Plato enough to own all his writings, yet his real allegiance was to Pyrrho's radical skepticism, and he mocked everyone from dialecticians to usurers with equal relish. His habit of puncturing pomp with a well-aimed line makes him the ancient world's great debunker, and his presence in the Lives reminds readers that philosophy was as much a blood sport of wit as a search for truth.

## In the story

### [Xenophon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/xenophon)

Quoted as ridiculing Xenophon's writing style.

### [Euclides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/euclides)

Quoted for his satirical verses against Euclides and other Socratic philosophers.

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

Quoted for his satirical verses about Arcesilaus.

### [Ariston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/ariston)

Quoted as saying of Ariston: 'And one who, from Ariston’s wily race, Traced his descent.'

### [Cleanthes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/cleanthes)

Mentioned as the author of a satirical verse mocking Cleanthes as a dull and verbose ram.

### [Parmenides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/parmenides)

Quoted for a poetic description of Parmenides' vigorous mind.

### [Pyrrho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/pyrrho)

Disciple of Pyrrho who wrote the Silloi and praised Pyrrho's happiness and freedom from dogma.

### [Timon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/timon)

Main subject of the chapter; Skeptic philosopher, author of the Silloi, known for his wit and solitary lifestyle.

## Links

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