ABSTRACT
According to Diogenes Laertius, Pyrrho of Elis adopted “a most noble philosophy . . . taking the form of agnosticism and suspension of judgement” (Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, IX.61). However, Diogenes offers an anecdote of Pyrrho related by Antigonus of Carystus that makes Pyrrho sound less than noble:
He led a life consistent with this doctrine, going out of his way for nothing, taking no precaution, but facing all risks as they came, whether carts, precipices, dogs or what not, and, generally, leaving nothing to the arbitrament of the senses; but he was kept out of harm’s way by his friends who . . . used to follow close after him.
(Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, IX.61)