Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 1. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1913.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a biographical portrait depicting the life and character of the second-century philosopher Demonax through a collection of his witty dialogues and anecdotes. Demonax is introduced as a practitioner of a gentle, practical philosophy who stayed close to the common people without being bound to any specific philosophical school. The narrative first describes how he was accused of impiety by the Athenian public but managed to win their absolute love and respect through his witty self-defense in the assembly. The middle portion of the work showcases numerous encounters where he uses sharp humor and satire to correct the follies of pedantic sophists, vain youths, and hypocrites. Concluding with his interactions with famous philosophers like Epictetus and his peaceful death, followed by a grand public funeral, the text vividly conveys the free-spirited and benevolent nature of his philosophy.