Intellectuals in Politics in the Greek World (Routledge Revivals) by Frank Vatai

Author:Frank Vatai [Vatai, Frank]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, Ancient, General, Greece, Philosophy, History & Surveys, Ancient & Classical, Political
ISBN: 9781317749745
Google: _hvYAwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2014-06-17T01:23:28+00:00

4

FROM POLIS TO MONARCHY

Isocrates and Panhellenism

In his autobiography, Antidosis, Isocrates writes:

It occurs to me as I am speaking, what a change has come over Athens … for, when I was a boy, wealth was regarded as a thing so secure as well as admirable that almost everyone affected to own more property than he actually possessed, because he wanted to enjoy the standing which it gave … Now, on the other hand … it has become far more dangerous to be suspected of being well off than to be detected in crime.1

The statement admits of rhetorical hyperbole, for Isocrates grew up during the Peloponnesian War when wealth could hardly be regarded as a secure possession, as the fortunes of Isocrates’ father show. Before losing his fortune, Theodorus was a prosperous flute manufacturer who was able to provide Isocrates with a superior education.2 In practice, this meant that the young man was acquainted with the leading sophists of his day.3 His most important contacts were with Gorgias and Socrates. From the former, he learned to refine his powers of rhetoric and to exalt the Panhellenic ideal; from the latter, he learned moral philosophy. Like so many of his age, Isocrates was deeply impressed by Socrates’ defence of his activities and his execution moved Isocrates deeply. In a passage from the Phaedrus, Plato has the master prophesy a distinguished future for his young companion.4 For his part, Isocrates remained true to many of Socrates’ teachings.5 Although a cautious man throughout his life, there are two anecdotes which show courage on Isocrates’ part. When Socrates was executed, Isocrates made his feeling known by donning clothes of mourning; and when Theramenes was being led to execution, Isocrates alone dared to defend him.6 If these stories are true, they reveal a man loyal to his teachers. Later in life he was especially proud of students whose loyalty he had retained.

Two things came in the way of Isocrates playing a direct, active role in the affairs of his city. During the Peloponnesian War, Theodorus lost his wealth, leaving his son without patrimony. This discouraged the young man from entering politics, for Isocrates was not one to go into penniless exile. Taking advantage of his education, he set himself up as a teacher. He was financially successful as, for that matter, were Plato and Aristotle, but while they downplayed their financial gains, Isocrates did not hesitate to boast about how he had reversed Fortune’s reversals.7 Also, the rhetor liked to see himself as the spokesman for the Athenian rich. The second factor that came in the way of an active political career was Isocrates himself. Like Plato he had a weak voice; additionally, he lacked the self-assurance necessary for success when speaking in front of others.8 According to Pseu do-Plutarch’s Life of Isocrates, when Theramenes had fled for safety to the altar of Hestia Boulaia, Isocrates rose to speak in his defence, but words eluded the young man until finally Theramenes told him to stop his well-directed efforts.

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