Xenocrates of Chalcedon Quotes

A collection of quotes by Xenocrates of Chalcedon.

Xenocrates of Chalcedon was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived during the 4th century BCE. Little is known about his early life and background. He became a prominent figure in the Academy, the philosophical school founded by Plato.

Xenocrates was greatly influenced by Plato's teachings and sought to uphold and preserve his master's philosophical ideals. He became the head of the Academy after Plato's death in 347 BCE. During his tenure, he focused on the metaphysical aspects of Plato's philosophy, emphasizing the existence of an ultimate reality beyond the material world.

As a philosopher, Xenocrates was renowned for his intellectual rigor and commitment to moral virtue. He believed that the pursuit of knowledge should lead to the cultivation of wisdom and ethical behavior. Xenocrates considered mathematics as the foundation of all knowledge and emphasized the importance of self-control and discipline.

Although Xenocrates did not leave behind any written works, his teachings were disseminated through the works of his students and followers, including Aristotle. His emphasis on ontology and ethics greatly influenced later philosophers and established him as an important figure in the development of Platonic philosophy.

Xenocrates passed away in 314 BCE, leaving a lasting legacy as a dedicated scholar and guardian of Plato's philosophy.