Demetrius the Cynic facts for kids

Demetrius was a wise Cynic philosopher from Corinth, an ancient city in Greece. He lived in Rome during the time of several Roman emperors, including Caligula, Nero, and Vespasian, from about 37 to 71 AD.

Life of Demetrius

Demetrius was a close friend of Seneca, a famous Roman writer and philosopher. Seneca often wrote about Demetrius, describing him as a truly perfect person. He believed Demetrius was sent to their time to show everyone how a wise and honest person should live. Seneca admired Demetrius's strong principles and powerful way of speaking.

Demetrius and Emperor Caligula

Demetrius showed he didn't care about money or fancy things. Once, Emperor Caligula tried to tempt him with a huge sum of money, about two hundred thousand sesterces. Demetrius simply replied that if Caligula truly wanted to tempt him, he should offer his entire kingdom! This showed how little he valued wealth.

Demetrius's Friends and Exile

Demetrius was also a friend of Thrasea Paetus, a Roman senator known for his honesty. Demetrius was with Thrasea when he was sentenced to death in 66 AD.

Later, around 70 AD, during the rule of Emperor Vespasian, Demetrius surprisingly defended a man named Publius Egnatius Celer in a legal case. In 71 AD, Emperor Vespasian sent Demetrius and all other philosophers away from Rome.

Some people think Demetrius might be the same person as Demetrius of Sunium, who was mentioned by another ancient writer named Lucian. However, "Demetrius" was a very common name back then. So, Demetrius of Sunium was probably a different Cynic philosopher who lived later.

Demetrius's Wise Sayings

Demetrius shared many wise thoughts. Here are a couple of his famous quotes:

• "An easy existence, untroubled by the attacks of Fortune is a Dead Sea."
• "The talk of the ignorant is like the rumblings which issue from the belly."

See also

In Spanish: Demetrio el Cínico para niños