When did Crates of Thebes live?

Crates of Thebes was born in 365 BC and died in 285 BC.

Where was Crates of Thebes from?

Crates of Thebes was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.

What philosophical movements is Crates of Thebes associated with?

Crates of Thebes was associated with Cynicism and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

How many quotes are attributed to Crates of Thebes?

There are 5 attributed quotations from Crates of Thebes in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.

Crates of Thebes 365 BC – 285 BC

Crates of Thebes (365 BC – 285 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Cynicism and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Crates of Thebes was a Greek Cynic philosopher and the principal student of Diogenes of Sinope. Born wealthy, he gave away his property to his city and adopted the Cynic life of poverty, wandering, and frank speech. He married Hipparchia, a fellow philosopher of equal standing, and the two lived openly as Cynic spouses, an arrangement scandalous and admired in equal measure. Among his students at Athens was Zeno of Citium, the future founder of Stoicism, and his thought left a lasting mark on the early Stoic conception of virtue and the self-sufficient sage.

Key facts

Nationality: Greek
Era: Ancient
Movements: Cynicism, Ancient Greek Philosophy

Selected quotes

Attributed to Crates of Thebes:

“I have a country that is not consumed by famine, nor besieged by enemies, nor inhabited by strangers; this country is poverty.”
Attributed to Crates of Thebes:

“True wealth is to want little.”
Attributed to Crates of Thebes:

“The poor are friends of the wise.”
Attributed to Crates of Thebes:

“He who is content with his lot is rich.”
Attributed to Crates of Thebes:

“Custom is a shadow which the wise outrun.”

Crates of Thebes by topic

Crates of Thebes on Virtue 5 quotes
Crates of Thebes on Happiness 4 quotes

Frequently asked about Crates of Thebes

When did Crates of Thebes live?: Crates of Thebes was born in 365 BC and died in 285 BC.
Where was Crates of Thebes from?: Crates of Thebes was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Crates of Thebes associated with?: Crates of Thebes was associated with Cynicism and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
What was Crates of Thebes known for?: Crates of Thebes was a Greek Cynic philosopher and the principal student of Diogenes of Sinope.
How many quotes are attributed to Crates of Thebes?: There are 5 attributed quotations from Crates of Thebes in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.