Polystratus c. 270 BC – c. 219 BC
Polystratus (c. 270 BC – c. 219 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Epicureanism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
Polystratus was a Greek Epicurean philosopher and the third head of the Garden in Athens, succeeding Hermarchus around the middle of the third century BC. The papyrus rolls preserved at Herculaneum include substantial fragments of his On Irrational Contempt for Popular Opinions, which defends the Epicurean view that pleasure and pain are real properties of bodies and which mounts an early argument against the Cynic devaluation of conventional goods. He is the last Garden head whose own writings are recoverable in any detail, and his death is said to have been mourned by his pupil and lifelong companion Dionysius of Lamptrai.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Greek
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Epicureanism, Hellenistic, Ancient Greek Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Polystratus:
“Popular opinions are not all false; the wise man learns to sift them, not to despise them all.”
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Attributed to Polystratus:
“Pleasure and pain are real properties of bodies, not mere conventions.”
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Attributed to Polystratus:
“Friendship without philosophy is a flower without a root.”
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Attributed to Polystratus:
“Even the gods are subject to the laws of nature; the wise man asks no more than that.”
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Attributed to Polystratus:
“Death is the longest sleep; what fears we have of it are dreams.”
Frequently asked about Polystratus
- When did Polystratus live?
- Polystratus was born in c. 270 BC and died in c. 219 BC.
- Where was Polystratus from?
- Polystratus was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Polystratus associated with?
- Polystratus was associated with Epicureanism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
- What was Polystratus known for?
- Polystratus was a Greek Epicurean philosopher and the third head of the Garden in Athens, succeeding Hermarchus around the middle of the third century BC.
- How many quotes are attributed to Polystratus?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Polystratus in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.