Aristippus of Cyrene was a prominent philosopher and the founder of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy, known for its emphasis on hedonism—the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good. His life and teachings, as recorded by Diogenes Laertius in Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, provide a rich tapestry of wit, wisdom, and practical philosophy.

READ MORE: Most Famous Ancient Greek Philosophers and their Works

Early Life and Education

Aristippus was born in Cyrene, a prosperous Greek colony in North Africa, around 435 BCE. Diogenes Laertius tells us little about his early life, but Cyrene’s wealth and cosmopolitan culture likely influenced his philosophical outlook. His intellectual journey began when he traveled to Athens, drawn by the fame of Socrates. Aristippus became a devoted disciple of Socrates but adapted his master’s teachings to suit his own hedonistic perspective.

Unlike Socrates, who emphasized self-restraint and virtue as pathways to the good life, Aristippus believed that pleasure was the ultimate aim of human existence. He did, however, acknowledge the importance of intelligence and self-control in discerning which pleasures to pursue. This balanced approach set him apart from more extreme hedonistic philosophies.

 

Philosophical Teachings

Aristippus’s philosophy, as summarized by Diogenes Laertius, revolved around the idea that the highest good is immediate physical and mental pleasure. He argued that sensations, which he considered the sole source of knowledge, are inherently subjective. Each individual must evaluate their own experiences to determine what brings pleasure and avoid pain. This epistemological stance anticipated later developments in philosophy, particularly in empiricism.

Despite his focus on pleasure, Aristippus did not advocate for indulgence without discretion. He famously distinguished between being in control of one’s desires and being controlled by them. “I possess, but am not possessed,” he is quoted as saying, emphasizing mastery over one’s emotions and impulses. This pragmatic hedonism reflected his broader belief in adapting to circumstances and deriving enjoyment from life without becoming a slave to external conditions.

Engagement with Socrates

Aristippus’s relationship with Socrates provides a fascinating contrast between their philosophical approaches. Diogenes Laertius records several witty exchanges that highlight Aristippus’s adaptability and sharp intellect. For instance, when criticized for enjoying luxuries, Aristippus reportedly replied, “If I possess them without being possessed by them, why should I not indulge?” This encapsulates his philosophy of enjoying pleasures while maintaining independence.

Aristippus’s association with Socrates also shaped his teaching style. Like his mentor, he preferred oral instruction and engaged in lively dialogues with students and critics alike. However, unlike Socrates, Aristippus charged fees for his teachings, arguing that knowledge, like any valuable commodity, deserved compensation. This pragmatic attitude toward education further distinguished him from other Socratic philosophers.

Practical Wisdom and Adaptability

Diogenes Laertius portrays Aristippus as a master of adaptability. He thrived in various social settings, from the austerity of Socratic circles to the opulence of royal courts. Aristippus was particularly known for his association with the tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse, where he demonstrated his ability to navigate power dynamics while maintaining his philosophical principles.

One of the most famous anecdotes illustrating Aristippus’s adaptability involves his encounter with Dionysius. When criticized for flattering the tyrant, Aristippus responded, “It is not I who am to blame, but Dionysius who has ears that are tickled by flattery.” This sharp wit and refusal to compromise his autonomy became hallmarks of his character.

Aristippus’s philosophy also extended to his views on wealth and luxury. He argued that material possessions were not inherently good or bad but should be used wisely to enhance one’s enjoyment of life. This practical approach to wealth contrasted with the asceticism of other philosophers, such as Diogenes of Sinope, who rejected material comforts altogether.

Personal Life and Legacy

Aristippus’s personal life, as recounted by Diogenes Laertius, reflects his philosophical principles. He was known for his charm, eloquence, and love of fine living. Despite his hedonistic reputation, he maintained a degree of moderation and self-discipline that prevented him from succumbing to excess.

Aristippus had a daughter, Arete, who followed in his philosophical footsteps. Arete played a significant role in the transmission of Cyrenaic philosophy, teaching her son, Aristippus the Younger, who further developed the school’s doctrines. This familial lineage of philosophers highlights the enduring influence of Aristippus’s ideas.

The Cyrenaic school, founded by Aristippus, emphasized the pursuit of immediate pleasures and the avoidance of pain. It differed from later hedonistic philosophies, such as Epicureanism, by prioritizing short-term pleasures over long-term tranquility. While the Cyrenaics did not achieve the same level of influence as other philosophical schools, their emphasis on subjective experience and personal freedom left a lasting mark on the history of philosophy.

Criticism and Controversy

Aristippus’s hedonism attracted criticism from more austere philosophers, who viewed his focus on pleasure as shallow or morally suspect. Diogenes Laertius includes several anecdotes that illustrate the tensions between Aristippus and his contemporaries.

For example, when Diogenes the Cynic accused him of living luxuriously, Aristippus reportedly replied, “If it were wrong to live luxuriously, it would also be wrong to live in a house rather than a tub.” This sharp retort reflects Aristippus’s rejection of dogmatic asceticism and his commitment to a balanced, pragmatic approach to life.

Aristippus’s willingness to engage with political figures and wealthy patrons also drew criticism. Some philosophers accused him of compromising his integrity by associating with tyrants like Dionysius. Aristippus, however, defended his actions by arguing that a philosopher should be adaptable and capable of thriving in any environment.

Influence on Later Philosophy

The Cyrenaic school, though relatively short-lived, laid the groundwork for later developments in ethical philosophy. Aristippus’s emphasis on subjective experience and the centrality of pleasure influenced both Epicureanism and utilitarianism. His insights into the nature of desire, pleasure, and self-control continue to resonate in contemporary debates about the good life.

Aristippus’s pragmatic approach to philosophy also anticipated modern ideas about adaptability and resilience. His ability to find enjoyment in diverse circumstances and maintain his independence in the face of external pressures serves as a timeless model of philosophical wisdom.

Anecdotes and Sayings

Diogenes Laertius’s account of Aristippus is rich with anecdotes that illustrate his wit and practical wisdom. Some of the most memorable include:

• When asked why he charged for his teachings, Aristippus replied, “Because I consider knowledge to be worth more than money, but money is necessary to live.”
• When criticized for dining with Dionysius, he quipped, “It is better to dine with Dionysius than to be envious of those who do.”
• When asked what he had gained from philosophy, he answered, “The ability to be free in any circumstance.”

These sayings reflect Aristippus’s commitment to personal freedom, adaptability, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Aristippus of Cyrene, as depicted by Diogenes Laertius, was a philosopher of charm, wit, and practical wisdom. His hedonistic philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, offered a pragmatic approach to life that balanced enjoyment with self-control. Through his teachings, writings, and personal example, Aristippus left an enduring legacy in the history of philosophy.

In the nutshell, Aristippus’s life and philosophy remind us that pleasure, when pursued wisely, can be a pathway to a meaningful and fulfilling existence.

Questions and Answers

Who was Aristippus of Cyrene?

Aristippus of Cyrene was a Greek philosopher and the founder of the Cyrenaic school of hedonism. He taught that pleasure is the highest good and the primary goal of life.

What was the core of Aristippus’s philosophy?

Aristippus emphasized the pursuit of immediate pleasures and the avoidance of pain, arguing that one should enjoy the present moment instead of deferring happiness for future rewards.

How did Aristippus’s philosophy differ from Socrates’?

While Socrates valued self-restraint and virtue, Aristippus celebrated pleasure as the ultimate good. However, Aristippus’s principle of maintaining control over desires aligned with Socratic self-discipline.

What did Aristippus mean by “I possess, I am not possessed”?

This statement reflects Aristippus’s belief in enjoying pleasures without becoming a slave to them, maintaining control over one’s impulses.

Why was Aristippus criticized by Plato and Xenophon?

Aristippus charged fees for his teachings, a practice frowned upon by Plato and Xenophon, who believed philosophy should remain detached from monetary concerns.

What was Aristippus’s approach to life and adaptability?

Aristippus was highly adaptable, thriving in various environments, including the luxurious court of Dionysius of Syracuse. He enjoyed what was available without worrying about what he lacked, embodying his philosophy of living in the present.

How did Aristippus demonstrate his adaptability?

When Dionysius spat at him during a banquet, Aristippus humorously remarked, “Men endure being wetted by the sea to catch a fish; shall I not endure being sprinkled with wine to catch a sturgeon?” This response highlighted his composure and pragmatism.

What role did pleasure play in Aristippus’s philosophy?

Aristippus considered pleasure the ultimate goal of life, prioritizing immediate and tangible pleasures over abstract ideals or long-term goals.

Did Aristippus advocate unrestrained indulgence?

No, Aristippus emphasized discernment and self-control, advocating mastery over desires to ensure that pleasures enhanced personal freedom and happiness.

What were some notable anecdotes about Aristippus?

When criticized for associating with courtesans, Aristippus replied, “I possess her, but I am not possessed by her,” reflecting his independence from desires. He also retorted to Diogenes, “If you knew how to live among men, you would not be washing vegetables.”

What advice did Aristippus give about education?

He advised teaching boys what they would need as men and emphasized practical education. He also taught his daughter Arete to despise superfluity.

How did Aristippus defend his lifestyle?

Aristippus argued that living expensively and virtuously were not mutually exclusive. He maintained that indulgence, when guided by self-control, was compatible with a philosophical life.

What was the legacy of the Cyrenaic school?

The Cyrenaic school influenced later philosophies such as Epicureanism and utilitarianism. While the school itself faded, its focus on subjective experience and the pursuit of happiness shaped ethical thought.

What can we learn from Aristippus’s life and philosophy?

Aristippus demonstrated that pleasure, when pursued with wisdom and self-control, can lead to freedom and fulfillment. His adaptable and pragmatic approach serves as a timeless example of enjoying life without becoming enslaved by it.