Anaxarchus facts for kids

Anaxarchus (pronounced an-ag-ZAR-kus) was an ancient Greek philosopher. He lived from about 380 BC to 320 BC. Anaxarchus followed the ideas of Democritus, another famous Greek thinker. He traveled with Alexander the Great on his journeys through Asia. Many people believe Anaxarchus helped shape the ideas of the Greek skeptics, a group of philosophers who questioned everything.

Life of Anaxarchus

Anaxarchus was born in a place called Abdera in Thrace. He was a close friend and companion to Alexander the Great during his military campaigns in Asia.

One famous story about Anaxarchus involves Alexander the Great. Alexander claimed he was the son of a god named Zeus-Ammon. Anaxarchus once pointed to a bleeding wound Alexander had. He then said, "See the blood of a mortal, not ichor." Ichor was believed to be the special blood of the immortal gods. This showed Anaxarchus believed Alexander was human, not a god.

Another story says that Anaxarchus advised people to worship Alexander as a god. This happened in Bactra in 327 BC. However, some historians think this advice might have come from someone else.

Alexander tried to convince the Greeks and Macedonians that he was divine. He wanted them to perform a special bow called proskynesis to him. Anaxarchus reportedly said that Alexander could "more justly be considered a god than Dionysus or Heracles." Dionysus and Heracles were famous Greek gods and heroes.

Later in his life, Anaxarchus faced a difficult challenge. Nicocreon, who was the ruler of Cyprus, ordered him to be executed. Anaxarchus faced his death bravely and with great strength. This story is told by both Diogenes Laertius and Cicero, two ancient writers.

Anaxarchus's Philosophy

We don't know a lot about Anaxarchus's exact philosophical ideas. However, he is seen as an important link. He connected the idea of atomism from Democritus to the skepticism of Pyrrho.

Atomism is the idea that everything is made of tiny, invisible particles called atoms. Skepticism is a way of thinking that questions whether we can truly know anything for certain.

Anaxarchus studied under a philosopher named Diogenes of Smyrna. Diogenes had learned from Metrodorus of Chios. Metrodorus used to say he knew nothing at all, not even that he knew nothing.

According to Sextus Empiricus, Anaxarchus compared things that exist to a painting. He thought they were like the feelings we have in dreams or when we are confused.

Pyrrho, another famous skeptic, was influenced by Anaxarchus. Pyrrho is said to have adopted a "most noble philosophy." This philosophy involved not being sure about things and holding back from making judgments. Anaxarchus admired Pyrrho's calm and steady attitude.

Anaxarchus himself was known for his "fortitude and contentment in life." This means he was strong and happy with his life. Because of this, he was given the nickname eudaimonikos, which means "fortunate." This might suggest he believed the goal of life was eudaimonia, or true happiness and well-being.

Plutarch, another ancient writer, shared a story about Anaxarchus and Alexander the Great. Anaxarchus told Alexander that there were countless worlds in the universe. This made Alexander sad because he hadn't even conquered one world yet.

See also

In Spanish: Anaxarco para niños