Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

​## CHAPTER 5. CLEANTHES Cleanthes, son of Phanias, was a native of Assos. He was at first a boxer, as Antisthenes says in his Successions. Having arrived in Athens with four drachmas, as some say, and having met with Zeno, he pursued philosophy most noble-heartedly and remained firm in the same doctrines. He became renowned for his industry, for being extremely poor, he set out to work for hire; and by night he drew water in gardens, while by day he exercised himself in philosophical discourses; hence he was even called the "Well-drawer" (Phreantles). They say that he was also brought before a court of justice to render an account of where he derived his livelihood, being in such good physical condition; and that he was acquitted, having produced as witnesses both the gardener with whom he drew water,

​and the woman who sold meal, for whom he ground the meal. The Areopagites, admiring him, voted that ten minas be given to him, but Zeno prevented him from taking it. They say that Antigonus also gave him three thousand drachmas. And while leading the ephebes to a certain spectacle, his cloak was blown aside by the wind and he was seen to be without a tunic; wherefore he was honored with applause by the Athenians, as Demetrius of Magnesia says in his Namesakes. He was indeed admired on this account too. They say also that Antigonus, being a hearer of his, asked him why he drew water; and he replied: "Do I then draw water only? What then? Do I not dig? What then? Do I not irrigate and do everything for the sake of philosophy?" For indeed Zeno was training him to this end and bade him bring him an obol as a contribution.

​And once, when the small change had accumulated, he brought it into the midst of his acquaintances and said: "Cleanthes could even support another Cleanthes, if he wished; but those who have the means from which to support themselves seek their provisions from others, even though they practice philosophy with slackness." Hence Cleanthes was actually called a "second Heracles." He was industrious indeed, but devoid of natural talent and exceedingly slow; wherefore Timon also says concerning him as follows: "Who is this that wanders through the ranks of men like a bell-wether, an Assian fond grinder of words, a dull mortar without daring?" And though mocked by his fellow-disciples, he bore it patiently, and when called an ass, he accepted it, saying that he alone was able to carry Zeno's burden.

​And once, being reproached as cowardly, he said: "For this reason I commit few errors." Preferring his own life to that of the wealthy, he used to say that while they were playing ball, he himself was cultivating hard and barren land by digging. He would also often reprove himself; hearing which, Aristo said: "Whom are you reproving?" And laughing, he replied: "An old man who has grey hairs, but no sense." When someone remarked that Arcesilaus did not do what he ought, Cleanthes said: "Cease, and do not blame him; for even if in argument he does away with duty, in actions at least he establishes it." And Arcesilaus said: "I do not welcome flattery"; to whom Cleanthes replied: "Yes, I am flattering you by asserting that you say one thing, but do another."

​When someone asked what one ought to suggest to one's son, he said: "The line from Electra: 'Silence, silence, tread a gentle path.'" When a certain Spartan said that toil was a good thing, he brightened up and said: "'Thou art of noble blood, dear child.'" Hecato says in his Apophthegms that when a handsome youth said: "If he who strikes into the belly belly-strikes, does he who strikes into the thighs thigh-strike?" Cleanthes said: "Keep your thigh-embraces to yourself, young man; for analogous words do not by any means signify analogous things." Once, while conversing with a youth, he inquired whether he perceived; and when the youth nodded in assent, "Why then," he said, "do I not perceive that you perceive?"