1001Philosophers

Sphaerus of Borysthenes c. 285 BC – c. 210 BC

Sphaerus of Borysthenes (c. 285 BC – c. 210 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Stoicism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.

Sphaerus of Borysthenes was a Greek Stoic philosopher, pupil of Zeno of Citium and of Cleanthes, who later traveled to Sparta as the philosophical adviser to the reforming kings Agis IV and Cleomenes III. There he is credited with framing the educational and constitutional reforms by which the kings sought to revive the ancient discipline of the Spartan agoge as a Stoic polis in fact as well as in name. His writings on the Spartan constitution and on the doctrines of the Stoa survive only in references in Diogenes Laertius and Plutarch, but his work is the most striking ancient instance of Stoic philosophy entering directly into political reform.

Key facts

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

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes:

    “The polis is a school of virtue, or it is nothing.”

  • Attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes:

    “Sparta of old was a city of philosophers; we may yet make it one again.”

  • Attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes:

    “Education shapes the citizen as the chisel shapes the stone.”

  • Attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes:

    “What the laws once were, the laws may yet become.”

  • Attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes:

    “The Stoic is a citizen first of the cosmos and second of his city, but he must be both.”

Frequently asked about Sphaerus of Borysthenes

When did Sphaerus of Borysthenes live?
Sphaerus of Borysthenes was born in c. 285 BC and died in c. 210 BC.
Where was Sphaerus of Borysthenes from?
Sphaerus of Borysthenes was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Sphaerus of Borysthenes associated with?
Sphaerus of Borysthenes was associated with Stoicism, Hellenistic, and Ancient Greek Philosophy.
What was Sphaerus of Borysthenes known for?
Sphaerus of Borysthenes was a Greek Stoic philosopher, pupil of Zeno of Citium and of Cleanthes, who later traveled to Sparta as the philosophical adviser to the reforming kings Agis IV and Cleomenes III.
How many quotes are attributed to Sphaerus of Borysthenes?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Sphaerus of Borysthenes in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.