Bion of Borysthenes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bion of Borysthenes
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Bronze head of a philosopher from Antikythera shipwreck, possibly of Bion
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| Born | c. 325 BC Olbia
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| Died | c. 250 BC |
| School | Cynicism |
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Influences
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Influenced
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Bion of Borysthenes (born around 325 BC, died around 250 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in Olbia, a city near the Black Sea. Bion's early life was difficult because he was sold into slavery.
After he gained his freedom, he moved to Athens, a famous center for learning. There, he explored many different schools of philosophy. Bion is mostly remembered for his "Cynic" way of thinking and speaking. He often made fun of people's foolishness, questioned common beliefs, and spoke highly of philosophy.
Life Story
Bion came from the town of Olbia, located on the north coast of the Black Sea. This was near the mouth of the river Borysthenes, which is now called the Dnieper. He lived from about 325 BC to 250 BC, but we don't know the exact dates.
Bion's father was a freedman, meaning he had been a slave but became free. His father sold salt fish and also did some smuggling. Because of something his father did, Bion's whole family was sold into slavery.
Bion then became a slave to a rhetorician, a teacher of public speaking. This teacher later made Bion his heir. After inheriting from his patron, Bion went to Athens. He decided to study philosophy there.
He explored many different philosophical ideas. First, he studied with the Academics, like Xenocrates. Then he became interested in Cynic ideas. He also spent time with Theodorus, a philosopher who questioned religious beliefs. Finally, he became a student of Theophrastus, who belonged to the Peripatetic group.
Like many wise people of his time, Bion traveled through Greece and Macedonia. He was even welcomed into the group of thinkers at the court of King Antigonus II Gonatas. Later, he taught philosophy in Rhodes. Bion died in Chalcis, a city on the island of Euboea.
Bion's Philosophy
Even though Bion studied with different groups, modern experts see him mostly as a Cynic philosopher. Cynics believed in living a simple life and questioning society's rules. Bion was known for his sharp mind and for challenging almost everything.
He was a popular speaker and writer. In his talks, he often made fun of how foolish people could be. He praised living a simple life and the value of philosophy. He also questioned the power of the gods and the idea of prayer.
Bion was known for his clever sayings. Here are some examples of his wit:
- "A greedy person doesn't own wealth; wealth owns them."
- "Being too trusting can lead to disrespect for what's sacred. Greed is the main source of bad habits."
- "Good slaves are truly free, and bad free people are truly slaves."
Another one of his famous sayings, recorded by Cicero, was:
- "It's useless to pull out our hair when we are sad, because sadness isn't cured by going bald."
Plutarch also shared one of Bion's sayings:
- "Even though boys throw stones at frogs for fun, the frogs don't die for fun but for real."
Bion's ideas influenced later writers, like Menippus. The Roman poet Horace also mentioned Bion's sharp humor.
See also
In Spanish: Bión de Borístenes para niños
