Xenophon

Xenophon was an Athenian soldier, historian and student of Socrates. After Socrates was executed he wrote several works defending and recalling his teacher, of which the Memorabilia is the longest: a set of conversations showing Socrates advising friends on self-control, friendship, household management and public service. He also helped lead Greek mercenaries out of Persia and told that story in the Anabasis. Next to Plato, Xenophon is the main surviving witness to Socrates, and his portrait is more practical and less metaphysical. His writings on leadership and running an estate also make him an early thinker about economics.

Key ideas

• Socrates was a practical moral teacher whose conversations made his companions better friends and citizens.
• Self-control (enkrateia) is the foundation of virtue, of personal freedom and of the ability to lead others.
• Good leaders win willing obedience by knowing more than those they lead and caring for their interests.
• Managing a household is a branch of knowledge, and its skills carry over to managing a city.

Major works

• Memorabilia (4th century BCE)
• Apology of Socrates (4th century BCE)
• Oeconomicus (4th century BCE)
• Anabasis (4th century BCE)
• Cyropaedia (4th century BCE)

In the Book corner

• Memorabilia c. 380s–350s BCE · Beginner
  A collection of memories of Socrates in four books by Xenophon, the Athenian soldier and writer who knew him in his youth.…

In the conversation

No topics yet. Start one about this thinker.