Chrysippus

Date of Birth: 279 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 206 BCE

Biography

Chrysippus of Soli was a renowned Greek Stoic philosopher born in 279 BCE in Soli, Cilicia (modern-day Turkey). He is often considered one of the most important and influential philosophers of the Hellenistic period. After moving to Athens, Chrysippus became a student of Cleanthes, eventually succeeding him as the head of the Stoic school. Chrysippus made substantial contributions to logic, ethics, and epistemology, and he is credited with systematizing the doctrines of Stoicism, making it one of the most enduring schools of thought in ancient philosophy. He was known for his prolific writing, reportedly authoring over 700 works, although only fragments of these have survived. Chrysippus’s influence extended well beyond his lifetime, shaping the development of Western philosophy and laying the groundwork for later Stoic thinkers.

5 Interesting Facts about Chrysippus

1. Chrysippus is said to have died of laughter after watching a donkey eat his figs and then telling a servant to give the donkey wine to wash them down.

2. He is often referred to as the “Second Founder of Stoicism” due to his extensive contributions to the development and organization of Stoic philosophy.

3. Chrysippus wrote extensively, with his works reportedly totaling over 700 books, although none of these have survived in complete form.

4. He developed a sophisticated system of propositional logic, which was influential in the history of logic.

5. Chrysippus believed that ethics was the most important part of philosophy and that virtue was sufficient for happiness.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chrysippus

1. “If I had followed the multitude, I should not have studied philosophy.”

2. “The universe itself is God and the universal outpouring of its soul.”

3. “We should not be upset by the things that happen to us but by our judgment about the things that happen to us.”

4. “No evil is honorable: but death is honorable; therefore death is not evil.”

5. “He who runs from his fate should know that he is actually running to it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As an ancient philosopher, Chrysippus did not amass a measurable net worth in modern terms. His wealth was in his intellectual contributions rather than material possessions.