Colotes of Lampsacus Ancient Greek philosopher Date of Birth: . Country: Greece

1. The Epicurean Philosopher: Colotes
2. Criticism from Plutarch
3. Devotion to Epicurus
4. Cicero's Objection
5. Preserved Fragments

The Epicurean Philosopher: Colotes

Colotes was a prominent ancient Greek philosopher and a dedicated disciple of Epicurus. He authored a treatise titled "On the Impossibility of Living According to the Doctrines of Other Philosophers," which he dedicated to Ptolemy IV.

Criticism from Plutarch

Plutarch responded to Colotes' arguments with two works: "Against Colotes" and "Whether One Can Live Happily According to the Doctrines of Epicurus." Plutarch portrayed Colotes as an intelligent yet vain and dogmatic philosopher prone to excessive criticism of Socrates and other esteemed philosophers.

Devotion to Epicurus

Colotes became a fervent follower of Epicurus after hearing his ideas on the nature of things. Plutarch describes him falling to his knees before Epicurus and begging for guidance.

Cicero's Objection

Unlike Colotes, Cicero believed philosophers should incorporate fictions into their teachings.

Preserved Fragments

Fragments of Colotes' writings have been discovered at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, including passages from "Against Plato's Lysis" and "Against Plato's Euthydemus."