![]() ![]() He lived to a very great age, as his own words somewhere testify b: It is stated that he opposed the views of Thales and Pythagoras, and attacked Epimenides also. Furthermore he used to recite his own poems. His writings are in epic metre, as well as elegiacs and iambics attacking Hesiod and Homer and denouncing what they said about the gods. Sotion makes him a contemporary of Anaximander. He will have regard to his property and to the future. He will leave written words behind him, but will not compose panegyric. The wise man will also feel grief, according to Diogenes in the fifth book of his Epilecta. But even when he has lost his sight, he will not withdraw himself a from life: this is stated in the same book. Nor will he take part in politics, as is stated in the first book On Life nor will he make himself a tyrant nor will he turn Cynic (so the second book On Life tells us) nor will he be a mendicant. Nor will he drivel, when drunken: so Epicurus says in the Symposium. ![]() Some too will turn aside from their purpose. Occasionally he may marry owing to special circumstances in his life. Nor, again, will the wise man marry and rear a family: so Epicurus says in the Problems and in the De Natura. No one was ever the better for sexual indulgence, and it is well if he be not the worse. The wise man will not make fine speeches. The Epicureans do not suffer the wise man to fall in love nor will he trouble himself about funeral rites according to them love does not come by divine inspiration: so Diogenes in his twelfth book. Nor will he punish his servants rather he will pity them and make allowance on occasion for those who are of good character. As regards women he will submit to the restrictions imposed by the law, as Diogenes says in his epitome of Epicurus’ ethical doctrines. When on the rack, however, he will give vent to cries and groans. He alone will feel gratitude towards friends, present and absent alike, and show it by word and deed. Bywater.Įven on the rack the wise man is happy. ![]()
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