Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: Anaxa-gaga
A philosophical genealogy.
[Previously: Thales; Solon; Chilon+.]
1. Anaximander.
Doctrines:
“The moon, shining with borrowed light, is illuminated by the sun.”
“The sun is not smaller than the earth, and it consists of the purest fire.”
(These things aren’t obvious, folks!)
Strangest fact: “boys made fun of his singing.”
Most important student: Anaximenes.
2. Anaximenes.
Doctrine: “Air is a first principle.”
Missive to remember: in a letter to Pythagoras (of theorem fame) he told how one night Thales fell down a steep slope to his death. Why was Thales out at night? He had gone out “to view the stars, as was his habit.”