c. 110–c. 40/35 BC (exact death date uncertain). Born in Gadara (Syria), studied under Zeno of Sidon at Athens, spent his later career in Italy (Rome/Herculaneum). Wrote in Greek. A prolific Epicurean philosopher and poet whose numerous treatises -- on anger, frank criticism, household management, poetry, rhetoric, and more -- survive today only because they were carbonized (not destroyed) by the eruption that buried Herculaneum, and are still being recovered and published from the papyrus fragments.
1. Key Texts
It is possible to insert "the sage" in place of "a human being in general": when he has been intentionally harmed by someone or has received the impression he will be harmed, will he experience an indifferent feeling, as if someone looked at him, or a painful one, since calling it attractive to him is senseless? Well, certainly calling it indifferent is forced, but if it is painful, and he (the sage) knows that, when punished, he (the adversary) will be checked and will rein in the others, he (the sage) would be insane not to grit his teeth and come back at him in one way or another. We call that sort of thing anger. (tr. Armstrong & McOsker)
2. Related Reading
3. Forum Discussions
- All discussions of Philodemus of Gadara in Epicureans of the Past
- Tsouna's On Choices and Avoidances
- Philodemus of Gadara - Main Biography
- Reasonings about Philodemus’ On Choices and Avoidances
- Online Sources for Study of Philodemus Materials
- Article: "Philodemus on the Epicurean Virtue of Megalopsychia: Will the Sage Distain Other People?"
- Reasonings on Arrogance