Demetrius of Phalerum c. 350 BC – c. 280 BC
Demetrius of Phalerum (c. 350 BC – c. 280 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Peripatetic School and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
Demetrius of Phalerum was a Peripatetic philosopher and Athenian statesman who governed Athens for ten years on behalf of Cassander before fleeing in exile to the court of Ptolemy I in Alexandria. A pupil of Theophrastus, he wrote prolifically on rhetoric, ethics, history, and politics, though only fragments and titles of his works survive. At Alexandria he is reported to have advised Ptolemy on the founding of the Museum and the Library, helping to lay the institutional foundations of Hellenistic scholarship and to gather the texts on which the philological work of Alexandria would rest.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Greek
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Peripatetic School, Ancient Greek Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum:
“Education is a possession that fortune cannot take away.”
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Attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum:
“Books are the most valuable possession of a kingdom.”
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Attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum:
“Speak briefly, for the wise listen well; the unwise will not listen however long you speak.”
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Attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum:
“It is shameful to seek good fortune while neglecting the good.”
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Attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum:
“Friends are won by gifts of soul, not gifts of gold.”
Frequently asked about Demetrius of Phalerum
- When did Demetrius of Phalerum live?
- Demetrius of Phalerum was born in c. 350 BC and died in c. 280 BC.
- Where was Demetrius of Phalerum from?
- Demetrius of Phalerum was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Demetrius of Phalerum associated with?
- Demetrius of Phalerum was associated with Peripatetic School and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
- What was Demetrius of Phalerum known for?
- Demetrius of Phalerum was a Peripatetic philosopher and Athenian statesman who governed Athens for ten years on behalf of Cassander before fleeing in exile to the court of Ptolemy I in Alexandria.
- How many quotes are attributed to Demetrius of Phalerum?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Demetrius of Phalerum in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.