Diogenes Laërtius · fl. 3rd century CE
Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.99 — Diogenes Laërtius on the Stoics
Translation by R. D. Hicks (1925)
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.99
Reported speech · Diogenes Laërtius on the Stoics
It is expedient, because it brings about things of such a kind that by their occurrence we are benefited. It is binding, because it causes unity where unity is needed; profitable, because it defrays what is expended on it, so that the return yields a balance of benefit on the transaction. It is useful, because it secures the use of benefit; it is serviceable, because the utility it affords is worthy of all praise. It is beautiful, because the good is proportionate to the use made of it; beneficial, because by its inherent nature it benefits; choiceworthy, because it is such that to choose it is reasonable. It is also just or right, inasmuch as it is in harmony with law and tends to draw men together.
Cite this passage
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 7.99 (on the Stoics), tr. R. D. Hicks (1925)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/lives-of-the-stoics/7.99
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book VII, tr. R. D. Hicks (Loeb, 1925). Text: Perseus Digital Library (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesExplains in what sense good is expedient, binding, profitable, useful, beautiful, beneficial, choice-worthy and just, mostly by showing that good brings benefit, order and unity. Closes with the claim that good is in harmony with law and draws people together. Doctrinal definitions.
Older wording
- “expedient”
- — advantageous, beneficial in practice
- “defrays”
- — pays for, covers the cost of
- “serviceable”
- — useful and worthy of use
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
Quote cards
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