Themistius 317 AD – 388 AD
Themistius (317 AD – 388 AD) was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Peripatetic School.
Themistius was a fourth-century Greek philosopher, rhetorician, and prefect of Constantinople. Committed to the Aristotelian tradition rather than to the dominant Neoplatonism of his age, he produced influential paraphrases of Aristotle's works on the soul, the physics, and the heavens that became standard introductory texts in the Byzantine, Arabic, and Latin philosophical traditions. He served four successive emperors as a public orator, defending religious toleration as a matter of philosophical principle. He was the first non-Christian to be received into the Senate of Constantinople.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Greek
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Peripatetic School
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Themistius:
“Philosophy without action is empty.”
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Attributed to Themistius:
“The intellect is the highest part of the soul.”
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Attributed to Themistius:
“Reason is the bond between man and God.”
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Attributed to Themistius:
“It is not the part of a wise emperor to compel belief.”
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Attributed to Themistius:
“Diversity of religion is a beauty of nature.”
Frequently asked about Themistius
- When did Themistius live?
- Themistius was born in 317 AD and died in 388 AD.
- Where was Themistius from?
- Themistius was a Greek philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Themistius associated with?
- Themistius was associated with Peripatetic School.
- What was Themistius known for?
- Themistius was a fourth-century Greek philosopher, rhetorician, and prefect of Constantinople.
- How many quotes are attributed to Themistius?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Themistius in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.