Attalus
historical figure · 3 works · 8 mentions · 11 anchored passages
Attalus of Asia · Attalus the Stoic · an Attalus · our Attalus · our friend Attalus · the philosopher Attalus
spoken of as
1 expressionAttalus of Asia1 mention
On the Steadfastness of the Wise Man (Latin)
Just as he will not be pleased with himself if a beggar pays him court, nor judge it an insult if a man of the lowest rabble, on greeting him, gets no greeting returned, so neither will he look up to himself if many rich men look up to him—for he knows that they differ in nothing from beggars, nay, are more wretched, since the beggar wants little, these much—and again, he will not be touched if th …
in the texts
Letters to Lucilius
Stoic philosopher quoted on the pleasure of making versus having a friend.
The philosopher Attalus used to say that it is more pleasant to make a friend than to have one, just as it is more pleasant for the artist to paint than to have painted.
I at least, when I used to hear Attalus declaiming against vices, against errors, against the evils of life, often pitied the human race, and believed him to be sublime and higher than the summit of mankind.
I remember that Attalus used to give us this precept, when we besieged his school and came first and went out last, and even drew him into some discussions as he walked, for he was not only ready for learners but went to meet them.
On the Steadfastness of the Wise Man
A king of Asia named as an example of worldly power whose slight would not affect the wise man.
Just as he will not be pleased with himself if a beggar pays him court, nor judge it an insult if a man of the lowest rabble, on greeting him, gets no greeting returned, so neither will he look up to himself if many rich men look up to him—for he knows that they differ in nothing from beggars, nay, are more wretched, since the beggar wants little, these much—and again, he will not be touched if th …
De ieiunio adversus psychicos
A proverbial figure of great wealth (referring to the Hellenistic kings of Pergamon) invoked as a contrast to the simplicity of daily bread.
who professed a food, not such as the disciples supposed, but the perfection of His Father's work, teaching men "to work for the food which abides unto life eternal," and in the ordinary prayer too commanding "bread" to be asked, and not the riches of an Attalus.