person
Democritus
Democritus of Abdera (c. 460–370 BC), the 'laughing philosopher,' who laughed at the folly of mankind.
Reading notes
- On the Shortness of Life §14.5 Democritus
The atomist philosopher of Abdera (5th c. BC).
- On Anger §2.10 Democritus
The 'laughing philosopher' of Abdera, who laughed at human folly; in either response there is no room for anger.
- On Providence §6.2 Democritus
The Greek atomist philosopher (c. 460–370 BC), said to have given away his riches as a burden to a good mind; cited to show that a good man may himself wish on himself what fortune inflicts.
- On Tranquility of Mind §2.3 Democritus
Democritus of Abdera (c. 460--370 BC), the 'laughing philosopher' and atomist, who wrote On Cheerfulness (Peri euthymies). Seneca takes both his term and, later, his laughing temper as a model.
- On Tranquility of Mind §13.1 Democritus
Democritus again, quoted for the precept that whoever would live tranquilly should not do much business, public or private.
- Moral Letters to Lucilius §1.7.10 Democritus
Democritus of Abdera (c. 460–370 BC), the atomist philosopher; here cited for the maxim that one good man is worth a whole people.
- Moral Letters to Lucilius §14.90.32 Democritus
Democritus of Abdera (c. 460–370 BC), the atomist philosopher, here credited—wrongly, Seneca argues—with inventing the arch and other crafts.
- Natural Questions §4.9.1 Democritus
Democritus of Abdera (c. 460–370 BC), the atomist; here cited for the doctrine that denser bodies absorb and retain heat through finer pores.