Book 9
11.64
On being discovered once talking to himself, he answered, when asked the reason, that he was training to be good. In debate he was looked down upon by no one, for he could both discourse at length and also sustain a cross-examination, so that even Nausiphanes when a young man was captivated by him: at all events he used to say that we should follow Pyrrho in disposition but himself in doctrine; and he would often remark that Epicurus, greatly admiring Pyrrho’s way of life, regularly asked him for information about Pyrrho; and that he was so respected by his native city that they made him high priest, and on his account they voted that all philosophers should be exempt from taxation.
11.64
Moreover, there were many who emulated his abstention from affairs, so that Timon in his PythoThe citation from the Pytho is lost. and in his SilliFr. 48 D. saysIl. ii. 796; Od. xvi. 465.:
11.65
O Pyrrho, O aged Pyrrho, whence and how Found’st thou escape from servitude to sophists, Their dreams and vanities; how didst thou loose The bonds of trickery and specious craft? Nor reck’st thou to inquire such things as these, What breezes circle Hellas, to what end, And from what quarter each may chance to blow. And again in the ConceitsFr. 67 D.: This, Pyrrho, this my heart is fain to know, Whence peace of mind to thee doth freely flow, Why among men thou like a god dost show?
11.65
Athens honoured him with her citizenship, says Diocles, for having slain the Thracian Cotys.
