Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 3. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1921.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a satirical dialogue between Tychiades and Simon, in which the practice of the "parasite" (parasitos)—living off of others—is humorously justified as a supreme art (techne) that surpasses both philosophy and rhetoric. The discussion begins when Tychiades rebukes Simon for having no honorable profession. In response, Simon skillfully employs Stoic definitions and passages from Homer to argue that parasitism is a genuine art that brings the greatest pleasure and sustenance without any pain. He contrasts the hypocrisy and physical cowardice of famous philosophers and rhetoricians with the robustness, bravery, and loyalty of parasites. Ultimately, Tychiades is completely won over by Simon's sophisticated and ironic arguments, concluding the dialogue by resolving to become Simon's very first disciple in the art of parasitism.