Diogenes Laërtius · fl. 3rd century CE
Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.12 — Diogenes Laërtius on Zeno
Translation by R. D. Hicks (1925)
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.12
Reported speech · Diogenes Laërtius on Zeno
Thraso of the deme Anacaea, Philocles of Peiraeus, Phaedrus of Anaphlystus, Medon of Acharnae, Micythus of Sypalettus, and Dion of Paeania have been elected commissioners for the making of the crown and the building.” These are the terms of the decree. Antigonus of Carystus tells us that he never denied that he was a citizen of Citium. For when he was one of those who contributed to the restoration of the baths and his name was inscribed upon the pillar as “Zeno the philosopher,” he requested that the words “of Citium” should be added. He made a hollow lid for a flask and used to carry about money in it, in order that there might be provision at hand for the necessities of his master Crates.
Cite this passage
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.12 (on Zeno), tr. R. D. Hicks (1925)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/lives-of-the-stoics/7.12
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book VII, tr. R. D. Hicks (Loeb, 1925). Text: Perseus Digital Library (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesFinishes the Athenian decree with the names of its commissioners, then notes that Zeno insisted his hometown be added to his name on a public inscription and carried money in a hollow flask lid to meet his teacher's needs. Small signs of loyalty to his roots and gratitude to his teacher.
Older wording
- “commissioners”
- — officials appointed to carry out a specific task
Themes and situations
- Pride and humility
- Gratitude
- Reputation and others' opinions
Quote cards
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