Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: Anaxa-gaga

A philosophical genealogy.

[Previously: Thales; Solon; Chilon+.]

Art by Elliot Skow

1. Anaximander.

Doctrines:

• “The moon, shining with borrowed light, is illuminated by the sun.”

• “The sun is not smaller than the earth, and it consists of the purest fire.”

(These things aren’t obvious, folks!)

Strangest fact: “boys made fun of his singing.”

Most important student: Anaximenes.

2. Anaximenes.

Doctrine: “Air is a first principle.”

Missive to remember: in a letter to Pythagoras (of theorem fame) he told how one night Thales fell down a steep slope to his death. Why was Thales out at night? He had gone out “to view the stars, as was his habit.”