Xenophon of Athens (circa 430 – 354 B.C.) Greek poet, historian, soldier and philosopher, living at a time of momentous events in Ancient Greek history, writing about the philosophy of Socrates, the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, and the Persian expedition that formed the basis of his most famous work, Anabasis. In addition to his own works, he influenced the account of the Peloponnesian War written by the famous Greek historian Thucydides.
Although he was recognized as a great writer and poet in his lifetime, Xenophon’s involvement with Spartan politics and fighting led to his exile from Athens, and his association with Socrates probably did not help. His short treatise on Sparta’s government is considered one of the first examples of political philosophy.
Aside from Plato’s dialogues, Xenophon’s work is the only surviving account of the philosophical teachings of Socrates, who, if he wrote anything, had none of his own work survive. Nevertheless, Plato and Xenophon have helped establish Socrates as the most influential Western philosopher in history. Xenophon writes of Socrates in Anabasis and was a pupil of the philosopher. During the Battle of Delium in the year 424 B.C., Xenophon fell from his horse and Socrates picked him up and carried him to safety.
In The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates, Xenophon gives readers a simple, straightforward account of the philosopher’s life and teachings, and his positive view of Socrates is apparent throughout.
