Diogenes Laertius Quotes

A collection of quotes by Diogenes Laertius.

Diogenes Laertius was an ancient Greek biographer and philosopher who is best known for his work "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers." Little is known about his life, and the exact dates of his birth and death are uncertain. He is believed to have lived in the 3rd century CE, during the Hellenistic period.

Diogenes Laertius was most likely born in Laerte in Cilicia, present-day Turkey. He is assumed to have studied in Athens, as his work extensively covers the lives and teachings of numerous Greek philosophers. His main work, "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers," is a compilation of biographies and philosophical teachings of various thinkers, ranging from the pre-Socratic philosophers to the Hellenistic period.

The book is divided into ten books, each dedicated to a different philosopher or philosophical school. While some criticize his work for being unreliable and lacking in critical analysis, it remains an important source of information about ancient philosophers. Diogenes Laertius aimed to provide a comprehensive account of different philosophical traditions, enabling readers to understand the teachings and lifestyles of renowned philosophers of his time.

While the details of his own philosophy remain elusive, Diogenes Laertius undoubtedly contributed to the preservation and dissemination of ancient Greek philosophical thought through his work as a biographer. His book remains a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the history of philosophy.