MENEDEMUS

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Erestic philosopher from Eretria, who founded the Eretrian School (c. 339 BC - c. 265 BC). During a military mission to Megara, he began to follow the traditions of Stilponos, a representative of the Megarian School, while later he became associated with the Ilean School, founded by Phaedon. Leader of this school later, he moved it to Eretria, where it became known as the Eretrian School.

Menedimos left no writings. His philosophical positions and his role in the schismatic movement cannot thus be identified and assessed with certainty, since the ancient doxographers also provide confusing and contradictory information. In any case, the influence of two different directions of ancient Greek thought - the Megarian and the Elian -, which arose from the Socratic teaching, support the hypothesis that the center of gravity of his philosophy fell on issues of normative ethics.

Quotes

1. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO WISH FOR WHAT IS PROPER
2. THE QUICK CAN BE DEFEATED BY THE WEAK AND THE EAGLE BY THE TURTLE, VERY EASILY
3. IT IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TO DESIRE WHAT IS PROPER
4. CITIES AND HOMES ARE PROSPEROUS THANKS TO THE PRUDENCE OF MEN, NOT TO PSALMS
5. THE GOAL IS THE VIRTUOUS LIVING
6. VIRTUE IF OBTAINED IS NOT LOST
7. THE SAGE IS LOVABLE, MAKES NO MISTAKES, IS A FRIEND TO HIS KIND AND LEAVES NOTHING TO CHANCE