1001Philosophers

Teles of Megara c. 290 BC – c. 230 BC

Teles of Megara (c. 290 BC – c. 230 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Cynicism and Hellenistic.

Teles of Megara was a third-century-BC Greek Cynic philosopher, the earliest representative of the Cynic diatribe to survive in any substantial form. The Cynic Letters and the fragments of his diatribes, preserved largely in Stobaeus, give the philosophical voice of the popular Cynic of the early Hellenistic age, who, drawing on the example of Diogenes of Sinope, Crates of Thebes, and Bion of Borysthenes, addressed himself to the everyday challenges of fortune, exile, poverty, and old age. His work is the most direct surviving evidence of how Cynic philosophy was actually delivered to ordinary listeners.

Key facts

Nationality
Greek
Era
Ancient
Movements
Cynicism, Hellenistic

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Teles of Megara:

    “Fortune is not a tyrant unless we make ourselves her slaves.”

  • Attributed to Teles of Megara:

    “Exile is no evil to him who carries his philosophy in his cloak.”

  • Attributed to Teles of Megara:

    “Old age cheats no one who has been alive while he was young.”

  • Attributed to Teles of Megara:

    “Poverty is the inheritance the wise refuse to disclaim.”

  • Attributed to Teles of Megara:

    “He who needs little is at home in any city.”

Frequently asked about Teles of Megara

When did Teles of Megara live?
Teles of Megara was born in c. 290 BC and died in c. 230 BC.
Where was Teles of Megara from?
Teles of Megara was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Teles of Megara associated with?
Teles of Megara was associated with Cynicism and Hellenistic.
What was Teles of Megara known for?
Teles of Megara was a third-century-BC Greek Cynic philosopher, the earliest representative of the Cynic diatribe to survive in any substantial form.
How many quotes are attributed to Teles of Megara?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Teles of Megara in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.