1001Philosophers

Hermarchus c. 325 BC – c. 250 BC

Hermarchus (c. 325 BC – c. 250 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Epicureanism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Hermarchus of Mytilene was a Greek philosopher and Epicurus's chosen successor as the second head of the Garden in Athens. The principal philosophical writings attributed to him include treatises against Plato and Aristotle and a long letter on the origin of human laws, in which he argued, against the Cyrenaics and the Sophists, that the prohibition of homicide arose from an immemorial recognition that society could not exist without it. He plays a prominent role in Epicurus's last will, which entrusts the school and the maintenance of its philosophical life to him in trust for the surviving Epicureans.

Key facts

Nationality
Greek
Era
Ancient
Movements
Epicureanism, Hellenistic, Ancient Greek Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Hermarchus:

    “The wise man cultivates friendship as the surest of all securities for life.”

  • Attributed to Hermarchus:

    “Justice is no abstract Form; it is the agreement of human beings not to harm each other.”

  • Attributed to Hermarchus:

    “The fear of the gods and the fear of death are the two storms from which philosophy delivers us.”

  • Attributed to Hermarchus:

    “Pleasure is the beginning of the good life and its end.”

  • Attributed to Hermarchus:

    “He who has accustomed himself to little has nothing to fear from poverty.”

Frequently asked about Hermarchus

When did Hermarchus live?
Hermarchus was born in c. 325 BC and died in c. 250 BC.
Where was Hermarchus from?
Hermarchus was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Hermarchus associated with?
Hermarchus was associated with Epicureanism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
What was Hermarchus known for?
Hermarchus of Mytilene was a Greek philosopher and Epicurus's chosen successor as the second head of the Garden in Athens.
How many quotes are attributed to Hermarchus?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Hermarchus in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.