Bion Greek philosopher Country: Greece

Biography of Bion

Bion, a Greek philosopher from Borysthenes (Olbia), lived in the 3rd century BC. He was a freedman who received a rhetorical education and studied philosophy under Theophrastus and Xenocrates. However, he was most influenced by the atheist Theodor (see Aristippus) and the Cynic Crates. Bion traveled from city to city, proclaiming truths similar to those spoken by the Cynics and criticizing societal conventions and prejudices.

For a period of time, Bion resided in Pella, the court of Antigonus Gonatas, the Macedonian king. He addressed his speeches to a wide range of audiences, which is reflected in the structure of his speeches. Bion constructed his speeches using short rhythmic phrases, enriching them with anecdotes, apothegms, often quoted by other authors, witticisms, and quotations from poets, which he frequently paraphrased and parodied. In this way, Bion became the creator of the distinctive style of Cynic diatribe.

He had a significant influence on Cynics Menippus and Teleius, as well as on Horace and Seneca.