How Did Ancient Greek Philosophers Make Money?
Ancient Greek philosophers not only shaped the foundational principles of Western philosophy but also managed to earn their livelihood in various ways. While some came from wealthy families, others built their careers through different means, including teaching, sophistry, and even publishing.
Earnings Through Various Means
Some philosophers like Diogenes of Sinope and Epicurus had specific styles of living. Diogenes, renowned for his homelessness, did find ways to support himself, while Epicurus embraced communal living with his close disciples.
However, it would be inaccurate to label ancient communes as 'Communist', as the social structures varied, often incorporating communal and individualistic elements.
Formal education was a primary source of income for many ancient Greek philosophers. Just like today, they charged for their teachings, transforming their wisdom and knowledge into a commodity.
The Role of Sophists
Sophists such as Protagoras, despite being disliked by Plato through the mouth of Socrates, were skilled educators. They taught subjects including logic, rhetoric, mathematics, geometry, language, and literature. They also focused on Areté (excellence or virtue), teaching young people to develop a personal integrity and loyalty to their country. Each philosopher, including Socrates and Aristotle, could maintain a small number of students.
Education was not solely the domain of a few elite philosophers. As Aristotle taught the future Alexander the Great, competition in the field of education was fierce. Plato, in particular, founded the Academy, initially named after Academos, a great Olympic champion. Over time, the school became a center for intellectual exchange and philosophical training.
Philosophers as Entrepreneurs
Plato was a strong proponent of physical as well as intellectual well-being. His prominence is reflected in the famous Latin phrase Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body), which was displayed in the walls of elementary schools. This phrase resonated with the contemporary emphasis on holistic education.
Socrates, a significant figure in Athenian society, was known for his influential pupils, including Alcibiades, one of the Thirty Tyrants. Both Plato and Socrates played a crucial role in shaping the minds of future leaders through their teachings and dialogues.
Additional Income Streams
Beyond teaching, philosophers also engaged in writing and publishing. Books were rare and expensive, often handmade. Writing letters and manuscripts provided another source of income.
Some philosophers, like Pythagoras, maintained a comfortable lifestyle but organized their schools like religious cults, emphasizing rituals and rules. Epicurus was among the affluent philosophers, known for his hedonistic principles.
Stoic philosophers, like modern-day Jehovah’s Witnesses, organized their teachings around a central location, often in a part of the temple known as stoia (a covered walkway or porch), from where they gathered and taught their principles.
Dionysius, while not engaging in formal teaching, was recognized for his eccentricity, representing the unconventional figures in ancient Greek society.
In conclusion, while ancient Greek philosophers had different methods and lifestyles, they all contributed to the rich tapestry of Western thought and were successful in their endeavors to earn a living through their wisdom and teachings.