Tao Te Ching
Philodemus Φιλόδημος
(of Gadara)
110 – 35 BCE
Innovative philosopher-poet, student of Epicures and Zeno, first generation Epicurean, praised by Cicero, and a big influence on Horace; Philodemus was originally most well known for his poetry. However since 1738 when the ancient papyrus scrolls of Herculaneum were discovered under lava flows from Mt. Vesuvius that also destroyed Pompeii and with the help of x-rays and computers in recent years, his influence was discovered to extend to music, history, ethics and theology.
Lineages
Epicureanism Greek Poets
Eras
Chinese
Western Han (206 BCE – 9 CE)Sources
Quotes by Philodemus (8 quotes)
“We fail to take into account the sources of our desires when we make moral choices, not recognizing, for example, that the desire for great wealth or reputation is so empty and vain.”
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“Men suffer the worst evils for the sake of the most alien desires.”
from On Choices and Avoidances
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“The harp playing of Xanthippe and her talk, her expressive eyes and her song — and the fire within her just now beginning; these, my soul, will inflame you. The reasons why or whence or how I do not know; but you will know, ill-fated soul, that you are burning.”
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“For already the grey locks hurry on to replace the black, and tell me I have reached the age of discretion. While it was playtime I played ; now it is over I will turn to more worthy thoughts.”
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“Shine, Moon of the night who love to look on revels, shine through the lattice and let your light fall on golden Callistiŏn… You bless her and me, I know, O Moon”
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“It is impossible to live pleasurably without living prudently, justly and honorably; without making friends and without being philanthropic.”
from On Choices and Avoidances
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“I desire not what is ready to hand, but long for whatever is kept under lock and key.”
from Epigrams
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