The history of philosophy, in eight parts by Thomas Stanley.

ANNICERIS.

CHAP. I.

His Life.

a 1.1 ANNICERIS was of Cyrene, Disciple to Pa∣raebates, yet Suidas saith he was an Epicurean, and that he lived in the time of Alexander. b 1.2 He was excellent in Chariot-racing, of which one day he gave a testimony before Plato, and drove many courses round the A∣cademy, so exactly, that his wheeles never went out of the track, to the admiration of all that were present, except Plato, who reprehended his too much industry, saying, it was not possible but that he, who employed so much paines about things of no value, must neglect those of greater concernment, which are truly worth admiration.

c 1.3 When Plato, by the command of Dionysius, was sold as a slave in Aegina, Anniceris fortuned to be present, who redeemed him for 20. or according to others 30. minae, and sent him to Athens to his friends, who presently returned the mony to Anniceris, but he refused it, saying, they were not the only persons that deser∣ved to take care of Plato.

d 1.4 He had a Brother named Nicoteles, a Philosopher; hee had likewise the famous Posidonius to be his Disciple.

CHAP. II.

His Philosophy▪

HIS Disciples were called Annicerians;a 1.5 They as the rest pla∣ced all good in Pleasure, and conceived virtue to be only commendable as far as it produced Pleasure.c 1.6 They agreed in all things with the Hegesians, but they abolished not friendship, good will, duty to parents, and actions done for our Country. They held,

That although a wise man suffer trouble for those things, yet he will lead a life nothing the lesse happy, though he enjoy but few Pleasures.

That the Felicity of a friend is not expetible in it self; for to agree in judgement with another, or to be raised above and fortified against the generall opinion, is not enough to satisfie reason, but wee must accustom our selves to the best things; because of our innate vicious inclinations.

That a friend is not to be entertained only out of usefull or necessary Ends, nor when such fail, is to be cast off, but out of an intimate good∣will, for which we must also undergo trouble. For though they placed (as the rest) the chief end and good in pleasure, and professed to be grieved at the loss thereof, yet they affirm that we ought to undergo voluntarily labours, out of love to a friend.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Laert.
• b 1.2

  Ael. var. hist 2. 27.
• c 1.3

  Laert. vit. Plat.
• d 1.4

  Suid.
• a 1.5

  Cic. de offic. 3.
• c 1.6

  Laert.