Peregrinus Proteus c. 95 – 165
Peregrinus Proteus (c. 95 – 165) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Cynicism and Hellenistic.
Peregrinus Proteus was a Greek Cynic philosopher of the second century AD, born in Parium on the Hellespont, who, according to the often hostile life by Lucian of Samosata, passed through phases of Christianity, Cynic asceticism, and self-styled imitation of Heracles before publicly burning himself to death on a pyre at the Olympic Games of 165 AD. Whether or not we accept Lucian's portrait, Peregrinus stands at the boundary of Cynic philosophical practice and the early Christian and Roman religious imagination, and his death exerted a lasting influence on later debates about voluntary martyrdom, self-mortification, and the line between philosophical witness and theatrical excess.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Greek
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Cynicism, Hellenistic
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Peregrinus Proteus:
“He who would speak the truth must be ready to lose his life for it.”
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Attributed to Peregrinus Proteus:
“The Cynic carries his temple on his back, and his altar in the dust beneath his feet.”
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Attributed to Peregrinus Proteus:
“Asceticism is freedom from the prison of opinion.”
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Attributed to Peregrinus Proteus:
“Heracles labored not for a wage but for the cleansing of the world.”
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Attributed to Peregrinus Proteus:
“Death rightly chosen is the last and most eloquent of philosophical lectures.”
Frequently asked about Peregrinus Proteus
- When did Peregrinus Proteus live?
- Peregrinus Proteus was born in c. 95 and died in 165.
- Where was Peregrinus Proteus from?
- Peregrinus Proteus was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Peregrinus Proteus associated with?
- Peregrinus Proteus was associated with Cynicism and Hellenistic.
- What was Peregrinus Proteus known for?
- Peregrinus Proteus was a Greek Cynic philosopher of the second century AD, born in Parium on the Hellespont, who, according to the often hostile life by Lucian of Samosata, passed through phases of Christianity, Cynic asceticism, and self-styled imitation of Heracles before publicly burning himself to death on a pyre at the Olympic Games of 165 AD.
- How many quotes are attributed to Peregrinus Proteus?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Peregrinus Proteus in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.