Metrodorus of Lampsacus

Table of Contents

  • c. 331–278 BC. Born in Lampsacus, active in Athens. Wrote in Greek. Epicurus's closest companion and, in Epicurus's own words, second only to himself in importance to the school; predeceased Epicurus, who provided for Metrodorus's children in his will.

    c. 331–278 BC. Born in Lampsacus, active in Athens. Wrote in Greek. Epicurus's closest companion and, in Epicurus's own words, second only to himself in importance to the school; predeceased Epicurus, who provided for Metrodorus's children in his will.

    1. From Diogenes Laertius

    Quote from Metrodorus - Main Biography

    "Epicurus had many disciples, but among the most distinguished was first Metrodorus, son of Athenaeus (or Timocrates) and Sande, of Lampsacus. From the time when he first came to know Epicurus he never left him, except when he went to his native city for six months, and then he came back. [23] He was a good man in all respects, as Epicurus too bears witness in prologues to his writings and in the third book of his Timocrates. Such was his character: his sister Batis he married to Idomeneus, and had for his own mistress Leontion the Athenian hetaera. He was imperturbable in the face of trouble and of death, as Epicurus says in the first book of his Metrodorus. They say that he died at the age of fifty-two, seven years before Epicurus, and of this Epicurus gives evidence, since in the will already quoted he makes provision for the care of his children, implying that he had already died. [He had also as a disciple Timocrates, Metrodorus’ brother, who has been mentioned already, an aimless person.] [24] Metrodorus’ writings were as follows: Three books Against the Physicians. About Sensations. To Timocrates. Concerning Magnanimity. About Epicurus’ Ill Health. Against the Logicians. Nine books Against the Sophists. Concerning the Path To Wisdom. Concerning Change. Concerning Wealth. Against Democritus. Concerning Nobility of Birth." [Diogenes Laertius 22-24]

    2. Key Texts

    Quote from Metrodorus, in Diogenes Laertius, Book X

    Thus Pleasure being conceived both as that species which consists in motion and that which is a state of rest.

    3. Forum Discussions

    4. See Also

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