Theophrastus

Date of Birth: 371 BC

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 287 BC

Biography

Theophrastus, originally named Tyrtamus, was born in Eresos on the island of Lesbos in Ancient Greece around 371 BC. He was a prominent philosopher and the successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic School. Theophrastus studied under Plato and later became a close associate and pupil of Aristotle, who gave him the nickname “Theophrastus,” meaning “divine expression,” due to his eloquence. After Aristotle’s departure from Athens, Theophrastus took over as the head of the Lyceum, where he continued to develop and expand on the teachings of his mentor. He is known for his significant contributions to many fields, including botany, ethics, metaphysics, and logic. His works, particularly “Historia Plantarum” (Enquiry into Plants), laid the foundation for botanical science for centuries. Theophrastus was highly respected in Athens, where he reputedly taught up to 2,000 students at a time. His influence extended beyond philosophy; he also played a notable role in the politics of his time. He passed away around 287 BC, leaving behind a rich legacy that influenced many future scholars and philosophers.

5 Interesting Facts about Theophrastus

1. Theophrastus is often called the “Father of Botany” due to his extensive work in plant classification and biology.

2. He wrote over 200 works, although only a fraction of them have survived to modern times.

3. Theophrastus succeeded Aristotle as the head of the Lyceum in Athens.

4. His work “On Stones” is one of the earliest known treatises on mineralogy and gemology.

5. Theophrastus was known for his character sketches, which provided vivid descriptions of various personality types.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Theophrastus

1. “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.”

2. “Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.”

3. “The man of petty ambition if invited to dinner will be anxious to take home the leftovers.”

4. “To be happy is to be self-sufficient.”

5. “The aim of every artist is to create something which will have in itself the necessity of existence.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As an ancient philosopher, Theophrastus did not accumulate a net worth in the modern sense. His wealth was measured more in terms of his intellectual contributions and the esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries.