Diogenes Laërtius · fl. 3rd century CE
Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.9 — Diogenes Laërtius on Zeno
Translation by R. D. Hicks (1925)
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.9
Reported speech · Diogenes Laërtius on Zeno
But I am constrained by bodily weakness, due to old age, for I am eighty years old; and for that reason I am unable to join you. But I send you certain companions of my studies whose mental powers are not inferior to mine, while their bodily strength is far greater, and if you associate with these you will in no way fall short of the conditions necessary to perfect happiness.” So he sent Persaeus and Philonides the Theban; and Epicurus in his letter to his brother Aristobulus mentions them both as living with Antigonus. I have thought it well to append the decree also which the Athenians passed concerning him.
Cite this passage
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.9 (on Zeno), tr. R. D. Hicks (1925)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/lives-of-the-stoics/7.9
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 notesZeno declines the king's invitation because of the weakness of old age at eighty and sends two capable younger students in his place, who will give the king all he needs. The passage then introduces the decree the Athenians passed in his honour.
Themes and situations
- Ageing
- Friendship
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.