Stilbo
historical figure · 2 works · 3 mentions · 4 anchored passages
the philosopher Stilbo
in the texts
Letters to Lucilius
Megarian philosopher who, having lost his city, children, and wife, declared he had lost nothing of value; both criticized by Epicurus and admired by Seneca.
"All my goods are with me"—this is to count nothing a good that can be snatched away.
You desire to know whether Epicurus is right when, in a certain letter, he blames those who say that the wise man is content with himself and for that reason has no need of a friend.
Nonetheless, although he is the most loving of friends, although he sets them on a level with himself and often above himself, he will limit every good within himself and will say what Stilbo said—that Stilbo whom Epicurus's letter assails.
On the Steadfastness of the Wise Man
Greek philosopher of Megara who, after his city was captured and his family taken, declared that he had lost nothing because his true goods remained with him.
The philosopher Stilbo, being asked by him whether he had lost anything, replied:
But Stilbo wrested his victory from him, and bore witness that, though his city was taken, he himself was not only unconquered but unscathed.
Consider now whether any thief, or false accuser, or overbearing neighbor, or some rich man wielding the tyranny of childless old age, could do an injury to a man from whom war and the enemy, and that master of the famous art of shattering cities, could snatch nothing away.