‘When he noticed that most people were beset by troubles their whole life and constantly in conflict; that they had so many problems that they did not have a moment’s peace, even during the Panhellic games when a general truce was declared; that crimes were committed just to stay alive; that there was widespread panic lest men lack the so-called necessities of life; that great plans and efforts were made to ensure that children inherited large sums of money – when he saw all of this, he marvelled that he alone was free because he abstained from such behaviour, yet no one appreciated how uniquely blessed he was.’ – Dio Chrysostomus, Cynic, first century CE
First published in English in 2022 by SelfMadeHero 139–141 Pancras Road London NW1 1UN www.selfmadehero.com Copyright © 2021 by Barbara Stok English translation © 2022 by Michele Hutchison Design and colouring by Ricky van Duuren Original title De filosoof, de hond en de bruiloft First published in 2021 by Nijgh & Van Ditmar, Amsterdam English edition: Publishing Director: Emma Hayley Designer: Txabi Jones Text Editor: Dan Lockwood Digital Content Manager: Stefano Mancin Publicist: Paul Smith
This publication has been made possible with financial support from the Dutch Foundation for Literature. This book was made possible by the Dutch Creative Industries Fund. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN: 978-1-914224-09-6 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Printed and bound in the UK
This is it. This is where she lived.
More than 2,300 years ago.
This is the story of Hipparchia, one of the first women to become a philosopher.
It starts in Maroneia, in northern Greece. It is the time of Alexander the Great, the fourth century BCE.
Hipparchia doesn't yet know that her life is going to take a radical turn.
I euda i mon ia happi ness
11
12
13
14
What is a happy life? It's an interesting question. Let's talk about that today.
It seems clear to me: the happiest life is a life that contains maximum enjoyment. enjoyment
For me, happiness success. means success Succeeding in what you want to achieve.
15
But doesn't it matter what you do? What you enjoy, or what you achieve? Can partying make you just as happy as doing a good business deal, for example?
I think so, yes. Depends what you want yourself.
16
Shall we explore this further, my friends, because what if we...
17
Goooood m orni ng! Look what I have for yo u today!
Lots of treats ...
... because
Dad and Grandpa had another party.
It went on until deep in the night. It was so exciting, doggies.
18
Dad had good arguments, and They talked they agreed on about happiness: most things. What's the best way to be happy?
But I tend to disagree.
'In order to achieve true happiness, you must live a good, well-considered life.'
19
It says so in the book about Socrates I already told you so much about.
I'm reading it again. I want to really understand his thoughts.
It asks the question: how should we live? The most important question of all, says Socrates.
What is a good life?
20
A letter from Athens.
21
Hipparchia, I have big news!
The son of my old friend, Leandros.
You're going to Athens to meet a prospective husband!
22
A very prominent family.
I did my best to convince them ...
... and it worked You're worked! invited for a meeting!
Thank you, Father!
They have a large country house near Athens.
23
He's called Kallios, son of Leandros.
I wonder what he looks like?
Kallios ...
24
Which philosophers he reads?
I mustn't mess up this time.
25
Your aunt and cousin have arrived.
Darling, it's finally happening at last! All the way to Athens!
26
To be honest, I've been terribly worried about you at times.
I'm so relieved your father managed to find another suitable candidate. My brother wrote that Athens is the centre of knowledge.
At your age.
A good first impression is essential. Are you nervous?
It's where Socrates lived.
27
What was your first meeting like?
Deciding what to wear can be a challenge. You need to look sweet and attractive. And exude class and elegance.
Oh, it seems so long ago... Love at first sight?
Keep your make‑up soft and subtle.
No, no, of course not. But that's normal. It took me many seasons to get used to your uncle.
He was 20 years older, of course. I was 14.
28
I found him ... how should I put it? A bit scary at first.
And look at us now: three healthy sons, two grandchildren.
Are you happy?
A diligent daughterin-law. A woman is happy if her husband is.
Socrates said you can only be truly happy if you live well. If you develop a good inner life.
So I ask myself... Been reading again, have you?
29
How often have I told you: it's unhealthy unhealthy. Those books weren't written for us.
Your father has given you far too much freedom. You're ruining your femininity.
You and your Soccatus.
But... I ask myself: what does a good life mean for me?
Oh, sweetie, don't you worry about that. I'm sure you'll be just as good a housewife as your mother was.
What is a good woman?
30
If you keep practising, you'll soon get the hang of weaving.
But focus on the meeting first, it's much more important.
It's not attractive. And you can be so pretty when you try.
A good woman is a good housewife? Remember: no difficult conversations, eh? That's where things went wrong last time.
No, I mean: why do those characteristics make a good woman and not others?
Why is that?
31
That's just how it is.
Did nature determine that?
Look, there you go again: distracted by that nonsense. You think too much. You'll get rejected again!
You do realize that this is probably your last chance to get a respectable husband?
Just listen politely and smile.
And keep the colours classical.
32
33
34
How's the packing going?
I thought, um ... it might belong to Metrocles. I was going to return it.
I need another crate for my shoes and... Hey, what's this book doing in your luggage?
Nope, this isn't your brother's.
35
Take it back to the library.
What's your favourite food, Hipparchia? We'll get it for your last meal here. Tuna? Goat?
Smoked eel with artichokes, figs and sea anemone in olive oil.
Eel.
36
37
I ran into Pyrrho in town today. He went on a campaign with Alexander the Great.
All the way to the end of the world.
He told me they saw primitives there who live naked in the woods and sleep on the bare ground.
38
How can we be so sure this way of life is backward? Couldn't it be...
Tragic, right? So backward. They eat nothing but fruit, drink only water.
How fortunate for them that Alexander brought civilization.
'Naked philosophers' he called them.
Hahaha!
Philosophers! Those savages!
39
Good night, Hipparchia. We'll set off at sunrise.
Sleep well, father.
40
41
I'm going on a journey, far, far away.
42
If I succeed, I'll never return.
Got everything you need?
43
Your brother wrote that he's looking forward to seeing you.
44
The advice I gave him when he left, and which I'll give to you, too, is that you always have to fulfil your purpose as best you can.
Of course not. Everyone has been given specific talents by the gods.
My purpose as a human or as a woman? Or are those the same?
And animals, too?
45
Can animals be happy? Haha, that's totally absurd!
Why?
It's just how things are.
46
47
48
Your mother would have been proud of you.
49
52
53
II pa racha ra ssei n defac e t he c u r renc y
56
Metrocles! Ahhh, my little sister, at last!
57
Let's get going. It's quite a long way, and I have tons to do.
I have to catch up on a lot of studying, I've been ill ...
... and tonight I have to go to a party. I really don't feel like it, but...
What was wrong? Nothing serious, I hope? 58
Stomach cramps and terrible wind. Six days long. Boy oh boy.
And my teacher is racing through the material. So I have to get my head down or I'll never catch up.
It varies. Lots of stuff.
'Time is a precious commodity,' he always says.
I'll drop you at the house and rush off to my lectures. I'm already running late.
What are you learning about?
59
Which subjects, though?
Ethics, politics, nature, logic ...
My apologies, sorry, I...
Hey, hurry up with those sheep! Move aside! You're blocking the road!
60
Why the mad rush? I have to get to the lyceum! Those damned sheep are going to make me miss my lecture!
Ah, a philosophy student. A man in search of wisdom.
A beginner, am I right? If you still get upset about a few sheep on the road after studying for six years, you're looking for wisdom in the wrong place.
No, no, not at all. I've been studying for over six years.
61
Wow!
That was Crates, a famous philosopher from the city.
Who does that tramp think he is?! Insulting you like that!
A philosopher?
Some people call him the new Socrates.
62
63
Athens has a population of 65,000. Including the foreigners.
64
And excluding women and slaves, I suppose? Of course. We don't include horses, either.
65
Here we are. This is my house. The slaves will show you around.
Women's quarters are upstairs. Downstairs, your brother's dining room, which you may also use.
66
And this?
That's his library and study.
67
That does look great on you...
... but for the first meeting, I'd recommend the pink one.
But does it have a wow factor?
68
Luxury and modesty combined.
These have a lovely shine, so subtle.
Just what I need to convey.
A man of class will notice that, don't you think?
He'll find you very attractive.
I hope so. I hope so.
69
Don't ask any weird questions, remember?
70
And don't say how old you are.
OK, here we go.
71
How may I help you? I have an appointment with Kallios and his father. To introduce my sister. A moment, please.
72
Ah, you must be Metrocles. The last time I saw you, you were this big.
... my
sister, Hipparchia.
Well!
Leandros, may I introduce...
Kallios has many candidates, as you'll appreciate.
Your father persuaded me to give you a chance.
Follow me. He's waiting in the garden.
73
Welcome, Hipparchia.
You came all the way from Maroneia?
You must be tired after the long journey. Especially to meet you.
Not at all, been looking forward to this.
74
Your father said you're a calm and reliable young woman.
Hipparchia is a very easy person. Polite, never ill.
Definitely.
So why didn't you arrange a marriage when she was younger younger, if I may ask?
Because we want the best husband for her. Of equal status.
75
Your lumberyard is doing well, I hear. We are the biggest in the north.
With the right network, we can expand to Athens.
We supply Alexander the Great. All his Great ships are made of our wood.
Let's not discuss business in this young lady's presence.
76
Our family has good connections with the court.
There are more important things in life than earning money, don't you agree?
Kallios is training for the Olympic Games.
And what are you good at, Hipparchia?
Javelin. It's all about strength and technique.
I'm, um ... I'm diligent and caring.
My PB is 2.2 plethra.
I can tell from your robe that you're diligent. Good weaving skills! Well done. Um, well ... actually...
77
To be honest, I didn't make...
She can weave! She's used to running an entire household on her own.
Don't you like weaving?
Thank you very much for your time. Oh, no need to be able to do everything. Why else do we have slaves?
We'll let you know if she's through to the next round.
78
That went very well!
Do you think he liked me?
Nice house, wow. And Kallios seemed like a suitable guy.
You showed your best side. Now we just have to wait.
Am I pretty enough, though?
79
80
Something like she's wearing.
Excuse me, my boss would like to know where your boss got her nice clothes.
Would you ask her?
What they don't weave themselves, the family gets from Armanios. The best tailor in town.
81
Are you new here? I've come from Maroneia to meet a potential husband.
You don't happen to be the girl from Maroneia for Kallios, Leandros' son, do you?
Ooohh, exciting! All the girls are jealous of you.
He's already rejected four.
How did you know?
Armanios' is this way.
82
The best tailor, that's what we need.
I only sell the best quality wool and linen.
Quality never goes out of style.
With unique designs, imported from Alexandria.
Timeless, elegant, durable.
83
Delicate like a sweet caress.
I bought a white Sicilian woollen fabric, very special, patterned with...
I'm only trying to help you. You're unhappy because of your ignorance.
If you don't shut your mouth ...
P OW !!
84
Hey!
That's precisely my point. You've tuned your lyre well, but your soul is still off‑key.
Are you OK, Crates?
Hahaha!
You strive for things that seem good, but actually aren't.
You can do something about that. Everyone can learn to be happy.
85
Wasn't that the philosopher?
Crates, that's right.
I'm never going back!
86
It wasn't my fault. I worked really, really hard because I've been sick.
That's it! Never again! I quit!
What happened?
I'd almost caught up, so I could finally take part in the debate again.
... because
the goal of a good society is the greatest possible happiness for everyone.
Metrocles, do you have a valid counterargument? 87
You can't deny that pleasure makes people happy, though?
Pleasure doesn't necessarily bring happiness.
In the short term, perhaps.
I was in full swing...
But if everyone egocentrically pursues pleasure alone, it ends up ruining a society. We must always bear in mind that we are part of a society.
And then?
88
So I...
89
It was just the tail end of the illness. I thought it was over, but apparently not. Very unfortunate indeed.
My reputation is in tatters.
Not in public! But why is that? Everyone passes wind sometimes.
Why not? What is actually so embarrassing about it? It's just the way things are!
90
91
There you are! Have you been home all this time?
We missed you at the lectures. All week.
If you've come to convince me, don't bother. I'm never coming back.
92
Is everything alright?
My reputation is ruined.
You can't sit inside for ever, can you?
I'm never leaving the house again.
Not everyone in Athens listens to gossip. It'll all be forgotten by next summer. Yeah,
Everyone is laughing at me.
whatever.
It's not that bad.
93
This isn't normal. I know what you need. I don't need help. I'm just fine on my own.
94
Does Metrocles live here?
I'm not interested.
95
Aha, the philosophy student.
You came specially for me?
I hear you're scared to leave the house.
Crates?
I made a terrible fool of myself in the lecture hall. My reputation is in tatters. Hmm ...
96
Where are you studying again? Isn't it Aristotle's school?
It wasn't Aristotle who taught me but his successor. Before that, I was at Plato's academy.
The lyceum, that's right.
Do you know what the problem is with those scholars? They talk endlessly about justice and a good life...
... but they don't put it into practice.
97
Well, the highest goal for Aristotle is a perfectly virtuous life...
And Plato also strove for ...
Well, better out than in.
HAHAHAHA!!!
98
And if your happiness is dependent on other people's opinions, whether they are good or bad, you are subject to the lowest form of slavery.
Listen, reputation is mere opinion.
All those social conventions are just foolishness. So try to ignore such trivial matters.
Don't be a slave to other people's opinions!
99
Many thanks for your help!
Can you buy one of Crate's books for me tomorrow?
Just doing my job.
His poems or his parodies, or ...? Zeus almighty, it's almost all gone again! This house is leaking money.
100
Father always takes so long to send me more minas. We'll starve at this rate.
Unusual man, that Crates, isn't he?
Yes, he's one of the Cynics, a very distinctive school.
His mentor was Diogenes. He died last winter from holding his breath. The Cynics are oddballs, you know.
They call them 'dogs'. Because they live like dogs.
101
Diogenes lived in a barrel on the street. He chose to do that.
One time, he was lying there sunbathing and Alexander the Great walked past. He asked Diogenes if he needed anything. 'I can give you anything you want,' he said...
Why would he?
I swear, in a barrel!
And Diogenes replied: Alright, stop blocking my sun!
102
There are the strangest rumours about Crates. They say he used to be very rich, but he gave all his land to shepherds and threw all his money in the sea.
Letter from Leandros!
Buy his muchtalked-of diary for me.
They're inviting us for a second meeting!
103
III phy si s nat u re
This is the women's bathroom.
And here is the weaving room.
106
The silver trade is flourishing, I see.
It's a growth market. Our profits have risen steadily.
We don't have one. We don't have any books.
107
Where's your library?
Is that a problem? Hipparchia is actually quite a reader.
I see, a modern woman.
You can read?
I don't mind at all, though. The women in this house can do what they like.
What do you read, then? Poetry, comedies ...?
108
To be honest, mainly philosophy.
Hahaha! Hilarious!
Excellent joke!
Look, you can see our silver mines over there.
109
Dear Father, We have had two meetings and both went very well. Nevertheless, I am worried I say the wrong thing sometimes and it might put Kallios off.
To say the wrong thing, what does that mean, actually? Can a remark be wrong if it is also the truth? Just before I left, Father, you told me that happiness is about fulfilling one's natural talents. I keep asking myself what my natural talents are. I know that as a woman I shouldn't be interested in philosophy. But why is that? Are women so essentially different from men? Are slaves so different from free citizens? People so different from animals? Couldn't it all just be a matter of opinion?
110
Dear Father, We have had two meetings and both went very well. I am very grateful to you for choosing Kallios for me and to him for giving me a chance. I hope we will have good news to share with you soon. Warm wishes, Hipparchia
The book by Crates your brother ordered. Shall I put it here? Yes, please.
111
Ah, there we have the Aristotelians.
Good evening, Platonists.
I'm not a Platonist. I'm an autodidact.
How are things at the academy? On good 'form' all of you? Haha!
'Perfect', thank you! Haha!
Here we go again!
114
Found the 'golden mean' at the lyceum, have you?
Is the deal done? Not sure yet. We're doing our best.
What deal?
Getting his sister married.
Well, good luck with that!
To Kallios. The Kallios? Son of Leandros?
115
The third meeting is in 11 days' time.
Don't give him any beans!
No beans for Metrocles! Haha!
Hahaha!
To be honest, I got it from Crates.
Alright, calm down. All those social conventions are mere folly. Listen to his profundity! Did you learn that at the lyceum?
116
Crates the dog? The rot he talks isn't philosophy.
Crates the new Socrates. Surprisingly enough, he really helped me.
A lunatic Socrates!
I often see him teaching under the old olive tree next to the shoemaker's in the mornings.
117
I'd like to talk about nature, if you don't mind.
Alright, who wants to propose a conversation topic for tonight's discussion?
Our young guest here, Epicurus, would like to discuss nature. Does everyone agree?
Agreed.
Agreed.
Let's go around the circle to the right, each sharing our views on nature.
Agreed.
118
119
120
This is it. There's the shoemaker's.
121
You can go. I'll take a look around.
On your own?
Just go, please.
...we
live in a world of fools. The value system is completely distorted.
122
Bonds, deeds and securities, what are these things, anyway?
They are fallacies, invented by greed to deceive minds with empty hope.
But gold is not gold and sand is not sand! The wise man knows that both are merely earth.
123
Why are you here?
This is not for women.
I, um ... happened to be passing.
Of course. Sorry.
Or are you a prostitute? No, no, no, I'm leaving!
124
Sorry, gents, she's with me.
You should take better care of your boss. This is no place for women.
Nothing, it's already solved.
125
What's going on here?
What use do I have for a slave who doesn't protect my sister?
You should never have left her! A woman alone on the street! Have you lost your mind?
If it happens again, I'll sell you to the silver mines.
126
127
What's this?
128
This can't be right. A philosophy text written by a certain Perictione.
Sounds like a woman's name.
That's correct. She was the mother of Plato.
129
A female philosopher?
'On the harmony of women.'
No, no, it's not real philosophy.
'A woman is harmonious if she is full of wisdom and calm.'
130
It's about what makes a good woman.
You'll enjoy reading that. Quite competently written, actually.
131
Ah, you found everything.
Exactly what I meant. Well done.
132
Forgive my impertinence, but isn't it dangerous?
Are you sure you don't want one of the male slaves to go with you?
It will only be the once.
No, no, nobody can know.
They won't. Men attract much less attention.
Shall I come, then? If anyone recognizes you...
133
Am I convincing? You are unrecognizable.
Perfect.
Will you be careful?
Metrocles is at his lectures. The coast is clear.
I won't be gone long.
134
135
136
137
Most people chase after the wrong goals.
If you truly want to be happy, you have to free yourself from that maelstrom.
They keep running around in the same circles and getting worked up about the same things: money, status and certain pleasures. Like objects in a vortex, they spin, unable to break free.
But how? How do we escape it?
138
By realizing that the value of things is based on delusion.
It requires no special study at all. You don't have to read a lot of books.
Welcome. The only thing you have to do is commit to these two commandments ...
139
'Know thyself' and 'Deface the currency'. That's the key to happiness.
Deface the currency means: scorn common opinion and value the truth over the moral coin of the masses.
Wait, I don't understand.
You're not saying all norms are wrong?
142
If there's no value system, you get chaos.
And you? A new face. What's your name?
Um ... um ... Hipparchius.
Hipparchius, what do you think?
I, um ... I think ...
143
... um ... I do agree with what you said.
Can you explain why?
Well, um ...
I think it's good not to blindly follow common opinion but to examine things critically first.
144
Give me an example of that.
The common opinion is that they are inferior to humans.
Take animals.
That is the case, isn't it?
But lions and horses are stronger.
It seems logical to me, people are more intelligent.
Our intelligence makes us stronger than all the animals combined.
145
The question is: why do we determine value by intelligence or strength? Isn't there a better, more fundamental, criterion?
Such as?
Such as our essence: our deepest nature.
The way we are in the world: the way we breathe, eat, sleep and die amidst each other.
In essence, all living beings may be equal.
146
We could learn much from animals.
Do you think that animals can be happy?
Of course!
I'm not sure about that. They don't even have hands.
Consider how much more carefree they are than us. For they have one great blessing: They own no property.
Woof! Woof!
147
148
He let me speak and they discussed it seriously!
Next time, we're going to discuss true values.
The values in nature.
Next time?
149
150
151
OK, the woodwork is shiny, the floor has been cleaned, everything is ready.
Positions, everyone.
152
You look radiant.
Eros' arrows have started to work.
153
Cosy place you've got here. Hipparchia, you look beautiful as ever.
It's nothing compared to our country house in Maroneia, of course.
We have 36 slaves there.
And 44 plethra of land. I heard that Alexander the Great was a frequent guest at your house.
Well actually, his father came once. once
They say he has conquered all of Persia with his armies. They have journeyed all the way to the great outer sea.
154
He fought dragons on the way, did you know that?
Fire-spewing dragons, I heard.
He's totally fearless.
Achilles almighty, I am totally done with you! H e gr ab b e d m y foot and dragged. . .
155
Not everyone is open to Crates' ideas.
Haha, hahaha! ... me through the divine sanctuary...
He probably deserved it. Those philosophers can be tiresome.
Oh, sorry, you're studying it, right? It wasn't personal. Philosophy is the search for wisdom ...
I wouldn't put it like that.
156
... for truth and justice based on pure reasoning. reasoning
I prefer to focus on practical matters.
Physical exercise, now that's good for you.
157
Philosophy is a way of training your mind.
Socrates saw no point in the unexamined life.
Socrates saw no 44 plethra of land, you said?
Pardon?
Have you ever been to a play before? Not in such a big theatre, no.
158
And two oxen, four donkeys, 36 slaves.
Leave that dog alone!
Hey, you there! Stop that, you moron!
Sorry, Kallios, I only wanted...
Come here, little one. Are you OK?
What a beauty.
159
In Maroneia, I was friends with many dogs.
I love dogs, too.
Crates!
Crates! Should I fetch a doctor?
Haaa ... good morning.
Huh?
162
I saw you being beaten yesterday.
Oh, that. No, no harm done.
But...
Minor altercation with the sports school owner. He didn't appreciate my jokes.
Did you sleep outdoors? Cast it into the sea.
I always do. I don't have a house. No need for one.
Really?!
He sold it and gave all his money away.
163
So the fish could buy new shoes.
Only those happy with the bare minimum are truly free. free
Get it?
Nature has given people the means to live easily, but they've lost sight of this in their search for honeyed cakes, perfumes and the like. For most, there's always There's always something new to something wrong. wish for. Too hot, too cold, too small, too old. It never ends.
As long as your character stays the same, nothing will ever suffice.
164
You should taste this. Mmm!
165
IV aut a rkeia sel f-su f f ic ienc y
Metrocles, I have invited you and your sister this afternoon...
...together
with my family...
168
...to let you know, with great pleasure, that I have written to your father ...
...to say that Hipparchia has been approved as my son Kallios' future bride!
169
As an engagement present, I'd like to give you this silver tiara. From our mines.
Thank you! It's lovely.
Welcome to the family.
Well done!
170
We did it! Father will be so pleased!
171
Happiness does not lie in material possessions or social rank. True happiness can be found when you are not dependent on such superficial things.
Possessions aren't inherently good or bad.
If I've cultivated a good inner self, does it matter if I live in luxury?
You think, Hipparchius?
172
I used to reason like that, too. But do not think you are free, my friend, as long as you are ruled by possessions.
I can live a luxurious life without being dependent on it.
Then I ask you: if that's true, why do you cling to your possessions?
And at what cost?
173
The linen from Milete is renowned for its fine weave...
... is this Egyptian one. Soft and silvery, with a gleam that will highlight your face. It is beautiful ...
... but the most luxurious bridal fabric there is ...
From Egypt, really?
174
... but is it really necessary? Won't a simple wool do?
Your fiancé and his family happen to be regular customers, and I can assure you they always pick the most opulent fabrics.
Are you mad? Half of Athens is coming.
I'd advise this one as a belt. You'll be as pretty as Aphrodite.
175
What do you think of the bridal fabrics we bought? I've never seen such lovely robes.
176
It's not that I'm not happy with them.
I just wonder if such luxury is necessary.
No need to worry. They look great on you.
You have the life everyone dreams of.
177
But it's nice.
I'm very happy for you. That's nice in itself.
Are you happy?
But what you, about you though?
Well ...
For a slave, I'm quite lucky. You treat me well. I couldn't wish for a better boss ...
178
But nobody chooses to be a slave.
My father was at work.
How did it happen? Pirates attacked our house.
He was a banker in Kavalla. We had a good life.
And all at once, it was gone. They plundered the villa and kidnapped me and my brother and sister. We were put up for sale at the market. I was 11.
I'm fortunate your family bought me. My sister went to a brothel. My brother to the silver mines.
I try not to think about it.
179
You can suddenly lose it all.
The only thing no one can take from you once you have it is wisdom. wisdom
Hey, you there! You look like a dog. Look at dog you, barefoot! That's right. Why do you live like that?
180
For heaven's sake, don't talk rot! Why not? I'm not hungry or thirsty. What else do I need?
The gods gave us the earth to use use! Or do you mean they made a mistake?
They created nature in all its wonderful variety, with wool, sweet wine, different types of olive oil, gems, honey and everything.
181
So we have a choice of the most delicious foods and drinks, soft beds, fine houses and other cunning inventions. That you deny yourself this willingly is sheer madness! madness
But consider this ...
Well, there is something in what you say.
If the gods have given us all of this in their kind generosity...
...do
you think it reasonable that everyone take as much as they can...
... or that people only take what they really need?
182
How much do we really need?
A handful of beans and a carefree spirit is enough. Even this cloak is a luxury.
Isn't a rich lifestyle much more extreme, though?
183
That's too extreme, man!
I don't get why you live like this!
I'm almost broke.
(Hush, your brother is back already.)
Do you know how much a wedding costs? The engagement party alone!
(Hurry, hurry.)
It's bankrupting me.
I sympathize. My horse cost a fortune, too. I'm paying it back in instalments.
184
You have to watch out, though. I know a man who was evicted because he couldn't pay the rent. It can happen. He ended up in the gutter.
If you want to progress, you have to invest. This wedding will make a name for you in Athens.
... for
My horse is superb. Such acceleration!
advice.
About money? Haha! That man's a vagrant!
I'm thinking of asking Crates ...
185
Crates! Hey, Crates!
Can you help me? I'm so poor poor. I always have trouble making ends meet. So frustrating! And humiliating.
If you have more money, everything is easier.
Being poor is nothing to be ashamed of.
Easier, hmm. Depends how you see it.
186
Anything more than the basic necessities is pure ballast.
I know of rich who are unhappy
Here, have some dates.
plenty people just as as you.
If you find the inner strength to lead a simple life and cast off pride, in time you'll be able to celebrate having become a free man.
187
Theodora and Eleni, Kallios' mother and sister -in-law, thank you for coming.
When I heard that you were alone, without a mother, I thought you might need some help.
Oooh, yes, gorgeous. An excellent Hangs choice. beautifully.
You're almost family now.
188
Looks very elegant.
What do you think?
The lines disguise your skinniness.
Me? Oh, um ... sorry, my thoughts were elsewhere.
To make the most of your silhouette, wear a tunic under it in a contrasting colour. Saffron yellow perhaps.
Gemstones in her hair will finish it off. Yes, sure, fine.
189
And nice bleached skin.
My friends advised me against coming to you, but your book was so inspiring.
190
I'm not looking for flattery!
Just tell me what you want.
Alright, well, I came to ask: I'm spending more than I want to and prices just keep going up.
Hmm ...
How can I deal with that?
191
Leaving already, Hipparchius? You only just got here.
Hipparchi...?
Excuse me, Hipparchius us and I have to leave. You know each other?
192
Sorry, I have to...
193
Damn it, Hipparchia! What do you think you're doing?
Do you realize how dangerous this is?!!
If you'd been unmasked, you could have lost everything! Your marriage, your honour, your future, everything! everything
You knew about this?
194
No, no, no, she knew nothing.
Oh my god. I almost had a heart attack when I saw you there!
I would be responsible if anything happened!
I'm sorry.
What possessed you? A few lessons?! It wasn't the first time?!!
I only wanted to follow a few of Crates' lessons. I'd read his book and...
195
A friend's sister got it into her head to go out alone and was raped...
... so
now she can no longer get married because she is worthless, of course, without her virginity. The family is disgraced. But why is that the case?
Promise me you'll never go back there? You can't pull a stunt like that again.
Don't even think about asking your idiotic questions now! It's just the way the world works.
We won't tell anyone.
196
197
Dad! Grandpa! There you are!
We had terrible weather on the way, waves twice as high as the boat. Seriously?
198
For a moment, I didn't think we'd make it. We survived by reefing the sails.
It's here, much the
a bit hectic too. Still so to do before engagement party!
The invitations, the musicians ... I've made a list. Kallios is in charge of food and decorations.
And I changed courses. I have a different mentor now.
Yet another school? Is that sensible?
Did you bring the dowry? Of course. You did a brilliant job with the negotiations, Metrocles.
The philosopher Crates. His approach is more practical, very interesting.
199
Kallios is the best husband I could hope for.
200
The engagement party is in a few days.
I should feel happy.
201
No, no, not...
202
203
204
205
Hey, Kallios. How nice to see you again in such wonderful circumstances.
You did a good thing, Agathon, introducing me to your daughter.
The perfect mother for my offspring.
Hipparchia is exactly the kind of woman I want.
206
...to show you our silver mines.
We're taking a small detour, if you don't mind...
We don't manage them ourselves, of course. We lease our slaves to a contractor.
207
That way, it's very lucrative.
More than 3,000 here in the mines.
How many slaves do you own?
You can't see most of them. They work underground...
208
...children
in the narrowest shafts.
We earn back the cost of each slave in three years ...
... so after that, it's all profit.
209
214
Dear family members, friends, fellow businessmen, the moment you've been waiting for has arrived.
I give the floor to my son, Kallios.
The official ritual to seal the engagement.
Beautiful, sweet Hipparchia, daughter of Agathon...
215
Will you be my wife?
216
Um ...
Haha! She's too shy for such a large crowd.
Well ...
217
They are engaged!!
The wedding will take place next full moon!
218
Why didn't you speak?
What was that, just now?
I don't know... I...
Don't scare us like that again.
Wow! Expensive ring! Jackpot!
219
V pa r rhèsia f reedom of speech
222
What would you do if you were free?
223
Free...?
If you weren't a slave any more.
I would learn to paint vases. I would bathe in the sea.
I would visit my parents. Hug them.
224
225
Right, so we have most things arranged for the wedding feast now. What about the sacrificial ritual? We don't have the vase for holy water yet.
I'll order it tomorrow. Everything OK, darling?
226
Yes, fine.
Did you see the slaves in the silver mines? The state of them?
What's up, then?
Oh, you mustn't worry about that.
It's just the way it is. You can't change it. They'd be unemployed without the mines.
If we didn't need all this expensive stuff, those slaves wouldn't have to labour.
227
There's no point getting worked up, sweetie. It will only make you sad.
They'd be free It's not free. reasonable for us to appropriate so much and exploit others for it!
Be glad that we're so comfortable. And that you're marrying Kallios. Think how lucky you are.
228
She's having all kinds of crazy thoughts. I think it's the tension.
Of course, a wedding like that is a big step. A whole new life.
Hipparchia's veil still needs to be bought.
229
I'll fetch someone who knows about such things to help her with her worries.
230
231
Here, you can have these.
Yes, they're for you. I don't need them.
Have?
232
Really?
Pick some dresses, too.
I have way too many.
233
Your father wants you to come downstairs. You have a visitor.
234
Thank you for coming. Metrocles is a great admirer of yours.
My daughter is very nervous about her wedding. I hear you can help with such matters.
This is my daughter, Hipparchia.
235
I once had a pupil called us. Hipparchius
Hipparchia a?
He suddenly stopped coming. Such a shame. We had become friends.
236
Now I understand, yes. He's in a tricky situation. I hadn't realized.
I'm sure he thought it a great shame himself. He probably had no choice.
Do you mind if I go for a walk with her? I want to speak to her alone.
That's a pity for you, losing your friend, but can we talk about my daughter?
237
I'm not easily impressed, but this ...
There was no other way.
Haha, hahaha!
All this time...
238
And now you're getting married.
You have unusual bravery and willpower, I realize now.
To a very charming man with whom I can lead the comfortable life to which I am accustomed.
239
In a large house with the nicest clothes, gold, silver and all that goes with them. Supposedly so conducive to happiness.
But think of the price paid for all our wealth. The destruction, the pain.
I'm not just talking about the exploitation to produce all the stuff, but also all the conflicts in the world, people turned against each other.
It's madness madness.
And as long as I surround myself with wealth, I'm complicit.
240
I want to lead a truly happy life. A good life.
But what can I do?
241
ARGH H!
244
If you know how to hold a snake, at the back of its head...
... you don't have to be afraid of them.
To Hipparchius us, I'd say: step away from that poor luxurious life. Train your independence.
For Hipparchia a, it is more difficult, of course.
245
Because the opportunities for women are limited in our foolish society.
Why, though? I'm the same person as Hipparchius.
Are you telling me I should just accept that?
246
Where's your 'deface the currency' now?!
You know... You are right.
I've really missed these conversations with you.
I wish we didn't have to say goodbye.
Listen, the cosmos decides your fate. You can't do anything about that. But you can choose how to approach the circumstances you are in.
247
You found a way to follow my lessons. You can trust your inner self to find a way of doing the best thing again.
248
249
250
251
Kallios, come in! Good to see you.
252
We can go through the final details.
Exciting, eh? I changed my mind!
Big day tomorrow!
Sorry?
This way of life, this marriage. I don't want it any more.
253
You don't want me any more?
Wait, wait, she doesn't mean it.
It's not about you. I've come to the realization...
Have you gone totally mad? mad
254
What's this all about?!
You're like your mother, Hipparchia. She was strongwilled, too...
... but
this is very extreme, what you are doing now. There must be a better solution.
You see, all sorted now.
I know, if you were to buy her a nice bookcase... A bookcase?
She's just worried she's going to miss reading, that's all.
I'm sorry, Kallios, but just reading is no longer enough. I've come to the realization that this comfortable life of ours is actually an empty life.
Is that what makes you happy?
255
No, no, wait, we can put this right.
The wedding is off!!!
Put that out of your mind! I am done here!!
We'll increase the dowry!
Hipparchia says she's sorry!
256
An empty life?! What life possessed you?
I'm not going to apologize for the truth.
This is a nightmare!!!
257
VI a skêsi s t ra i n i ng
260
Where has your luggage got to, Hipparchia?
261
There's nothing of yours here. We have to leave now.
I'll look for a new suitor for her in Maroneia.
Father, I have to tell you something.
We'll have to act fast before anyone hears what happened here.
... so we'll have to look to the lower classes. No other choice.
Her value has already declined...
262
What a let-down!
We have to minimize our loss of face.
Dad, Grandpa, Metrocles ...
The son of the librarian, perhaps. He's a reasonable fellow.
I'm sorry, too, sweetie. I blame myself for everything.
I'm sorry to disappoint you.
263
I should have married you off much sooner and given you... Thanks for everything.
Hey!
264
265
266
What are you doing here? It's no place for women. It's just as much my place as anyone else's.
Oh, you think so?
Would it really be a bad decision to use the time spent weaving on cultivating myself instead?
Get back to your loom.
267
Deface the currency!
My eyes have been opened to the delusions I have grown up with.
Ideas about women and men, about animals, slaves, wealth, freedom and property.
Hipparchia!
How about all of you? Have you freed yourselves?
268
That means you, too.
Dare to face up to the truth truth! Dare to make other choices!
And that's why I'm here.
Crates, will you marry me?
269
I have nothing to offer you, no house, no...
That is, um ... Cynics don't get married, because it's ... um ...
I'm not asking for that.
Against the rules?
Now that's enough!
Crates, please change her mind about this!
270
Listen, Hipparchia ...
What's he doing?
... if you want to marry me...
271
Who is that woman?
... here is your husband. Here is all he owns.
So consider carefully, you cannot be my partner unless you are prepared to adopt my ways.
272
I have considered this carefully enough.
She isn't going to...?!
No!
273
There's no richer man in the world for me!
VII at a ra x ia i n ner peac e
... and then she donned the same shabby attire!
And now she and Crates are living on the street together like dogs!
Scandalous!
Very brave! She dares to put her ideals into practice.
I would never give up my possessions.
278
Our values are distorted? Who came up with this rubbish?
I think I see their point.
Crates and the female philosopher, they can help you. You'll find them in the mornings teaching under the old olive tree.
Just as Heracles rid the world of monsters with his bravery, Hipparchia and Crates act against anger, envy, greed and other plagues of the human soul.
279
Afterword I first came into contact with philosophy when I became the drummer in a band. The guitarist Tuuk was studying it, and this led, on occasion, to extensive discussions on the subject in our local pub. This was how I discovered that the questions that had occupied my mind as a teenager were philosophical ones. What is good? How should one live? I enrolled in a few philosophy courses at the University of Groningen. It was 1996, I was 26 and had just started making comics. I found the theories in the lectures – on ethics, truth and society – truly fascinating. Something fell into place for me. I thought: now I know what I want to do with my life. I wanted to incorporate these philosophical theories into my comics – later, once I had mastered the medium. In my late 30s, I found myself caught in an existential crisis: Ricky and I wanted children, but we were unable to have any. I searched for a way to deal with this grief. A turning point came at the library. To my surprise, I happened upon a book by Epicurus: The Art of Happiness. I had read something about him that appealed to me, but I hadn’t realized that books by this ancient philosopher actually still existed. I took the book from the shelf, opened it, and at that moment, there in the library, I felt a connection with this Greek philosopher from 2,300 years ago. ‘Nothing is enough for the man for whom enough is too little’ is one of his central ideas. I found books by other philosophers from the same period (for example, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus), and I read the passages that particularly struck me over and over again. It is incredible how relevant their wisdom still is today. I was particularly drawn to the philosophers of the Stoic movement. They taught me that it is often not the circumstances that make you unhappy, but the way you look at those circumstances. If you broaden your view and focus on the facts, the situation can be seen in a different light. This is how the ancient Greeks and Romans helped me through my crisis. Since then, Stoicism has been a guiding principle in my life. Hipparchia and Crates were present at the cradle of Stoic philosophy. Zeno, the founder of Stoicism, was a student of Crates, but I did not know this when I chose Hipparchia’s life as the subject of my new comic book. In 2012, I stumbled upon Hipparchia in the Dutch book Female Philosophers: A Historical Overview by Carolien Ceton (not available in English translation). Her life story immediately appealed to me. I admire the rigorous
285
way in which she renounced material possessions. She had the guts to defy received norms and stick to her ideals. I see in this an important message for our time. Hipparchia and Crates belonged to the Cynics, a philosophical movement that propagated a minimalist lifestyle and turned its back on social hierarchies, norms and conventions. This is the kind of change in thinking and acting that we desperately need in today’s society. It took me the five years from 2016 to 2021 to create this book. In that period, there was a credit crunch, Donald Trump became President of the United States, Britain left the EU, #metoo and Black Lives Matter happened, the coronavirus broke out and climate change became even more visible. The ideas of the Cynics stood firm through all these events. While working on this book, I was repeatedly inspired by Hipparchia and Crates. They became role models for me, and I hope through this book they will inspire other people, too.
286
Notes Little is known about Hipparchia. The most important source about her life is one short paragraph in the book Lives of the Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius from the third century CE (not to be confused with Diogenes the Cynic). Of the 82 philosophers covered in the book, she is the only woman. Hipparchia came from a wealthy family in Maroneia. She was captivated by the ideas and lifestyle of Crates, a philosopher who had chosen to live like a vagrant. She lost interest in other suitors, no matter how rich or handsome they were. Crates was the only man she wanted to marry. Her parents begged him to change their daughter’s mind. Crates did not succeed; in the end, he stripped naked and said to her: ‘This is the groom, this is his property, now decide. For you could not be my wife, if you did not also share my way of life.’ Hipparchia joined Crates. They lived together on the streets, without property, and propagated the philosophy of the Cynics. Hipparchia went along to symposia and took part in debates, unheard of for a woman in those days. In April 2018, Ricky and I travelled to Greece, where Hipparchia had lived. I wanted to see the plants, the trees, the mountains, the coastline, the colour of the earth, of the sea, and to get closer to my protagonist. From Maroneia, we took the boat to Athens, the route she must have taken herself. The sources that helped me most to get a picture of everyday life in antiquity were the archaeological museums in Thessaloniki and Athens, the books Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks (Robert Garland), The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens and Rome (Peter Connolly and Hazel Dodge), Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity (Sarah B. Pomeroy) and various websites. The philosophical dialogues in my story are largely composed of quotations from and about the various Cynics in history from A History of Cynicism from Diogenes to the 6th Century A.D. (Donald R. Dudley), The Cynic Philosophers from Diogenes to Julian (Robert Dobbin), Lives of the Eminent Philosophers (Diogenes Laërtius) and the German book The Wisdom of Dogs (Georg Luck, not available in English translation). The book A History of Women Philosophers, Volume 1 / 600 BC-500 AD (Mary Ellen Waithe) was my main reference work on women philosophers in antiquity. That was how I managed to gradually recreate Hipparchia’s world. Behind almost every detail in this book is a quest – from the bottle that contained the perfume to the wages the slaves earned in the silver mines. Behind every line uttered by Crates is an exhaustive search for quotations. Much of what 287
I researched did not end up in the book, like the material Hipparchia’s fake beard was made of (horse hair) or the calendar used at the time. Below is a selection of additional details: Page 20 I had Hipparchia’s fascination with philosophy begin with Socrates. Socrates is often regarded as the founder of Western philosophy. The Cynics were also strongly influenced by his ideas. Page 36 In ancient times, the Greeks ate two meals: lunch and dinner. A typical meal consisted of bread, soup, porridge, eggs, vegetables and sometimes fish. Bread was topped with honey, olive oil or cheese. Grapes, figs, dates, apples, pears, olives, nuts and garlic were also popular. Fish was considered a delicacy. The most common types of fish in Athens were anchovies and sardines. Meat was eaten rarely, and mainly at feasts. Potatoes, rice, tomatoes and bananas were unknown in ancient Greece. The Cynics ate one meal a day. They mainly lived on bread, beans, lentils, figs, grains and vegetables. Much of what they ate was gathered from the roadsides. Honey cakes, oysters, salted fish and wine were considered excessive luxuries by the Cynics. Page 38 A pupil of Diogenes, called Onesicritus, had accompanied Alexander the Great on an expedition as a helmsman and officer on one of his ships. In his biography, Onesicritus wrote that during the expedition they had found similar ideas to those of Diogenes among a group of ‘naked Indian scholars’ on the banks of the Indus. The leader of the group was called Dandamis. They lived in seclusion and practised extreme asceticism to train their bodies and strengthen their mental abilities. Pyrrho was a painter and later philosopher who also accompanied Alexander the Great on an expedition. He was so impressed by Indian scholars that he later based his Sceptical philosophy on their teachings. Page 63 This drawing is a nod to the arrival in Athens of Asterix and Obelix in Asterix at the Olympic Games (René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo).
288
Page 64 It is difficult to determine exactly how many inhabitants Athens had at that time. There are various estimates. I have used the one in The Ancient City: Life in Classical Athens and Rome. In Attica (Athens and its surroundings, an area covering around a thousand miles), there were about 45,000 ‘citizens’ and 20,000 ‘foreigners’. Citizens were defined as adult men of Athenian descent; foreigners were men born elsewhere. If you include women and children and add enslaved people, about the same number as there were free people, the total population could have been as large as half a million. Page 69 Make-up at the time meant white powder as foundation, large red dots as blusher, darkened eyebrows and colour on the eyes and lips. Perfume was sometimes used. Page 74 Kallios and his family are fictional characters, based on what is known about Hipparchia’s life. Page 77 1 plethron = 30.8 metres. Page 83 What the seller says here about his fabrics is derived from contemporary advertising slogans. Pages 84-85 For this scene, I have combined stories about Diogenes and Crates. When Diogenes saw an unintelligent man tuning a stringed instrument, he said: ‘Are you not ashamed to give this wood the right tones, while you do not tune your own soul harmoniously to life?’ (from: Life and Teachings of Famous Philosophers). Crates once exasperated a zither player so much, he got a slap in the face. Page 97 The two famous schools of philosophy in Athens were Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. Plato had been the pupil of Socrates. Metrocles, the brother of Hipparchia, was also a philosopher. He took lessons at the Academy and the Lyceum from the successors of Plato and Aristotle. Later, he joined Crates and the Cynical movement.
289
Pages 89, 98 This incident of passing wind actually happened. Page 101 The word ‘cynical’ has a different meaning today than it had in ancient times. In ancient Greek, the word kynikos meant doglike. Diogenes was called a dog because he lived in the streets, and he adopted it as his nickname. When introducing himself, he would say: ‘I am Diogenes the dog’. It was only later that the meaning of ‘cynical’ changed, presumably due to people ridiculing this philosophical movement. Page 102 The first and most famous philosopher of the Cynical movement is Diogenes, who lived in a barrel. The story of his meeting with Alexander the Great is a famous anecdote. Diogenes considered himself richer than the king because he needed less to live on. Diogenes was a contemporary of Plato. Page 109 In ancient Athens, the legal system considered women inferior to men and treated them as minors. Women were taught to be quiet and invisible. The eminent statesman Pericles said, ‘Good women are not spoken of at all, neither approvingly nor disapprovingly.’ Education for girls was focused on practical household tasks. More education would only turn women into lazy, chattering busybodies, Theophrastus thought. The Cynics realized that the roles of men and women could just as easily be reversed. Women should be able to play sports in public like men, said Diogenes, and there should be no difference in dress. Pages 112-113 Crates wrote tragedies and epistles in a style related to that of Plato. A few fragments of these have been preserved. lorious children of Memory and Olympian Zeus, G Muses of Pieria, listen to my prayer, Always give me food for my belly, which has made My life simple and free from slavery… To my friends make me useful rather than pleasant. I do not wish to accumulate conspicuous wealth by seeking The beetle’s portion.
290
Nor do I hanker after the substance of the ant. I want a share of justice, and to make only as much money as is Easily carried, easily gained, and well-suited to virtue. Give me these, and I will gratify Hermes and the holy Muses, Not with expensive gifts but pious virtues. e Cynic Philosophers from Diogenes to Julian, Robert Dobbin, Penguin Th Classics, pp 189-190 Page 118 I have given Epicurus a supporting role at Metrocles’ party. The meeting is purely fictional, although theoretically it could have taken place. Epicurus lived in Greece at the same time and was about the same age as Metrocles and Hipparchia. He founded his philosophical school, the famous Garden of Epicurus, just outside Athens. I thought it would be nice to add a little reference to Plato’s Symposium to this scene. In it, a group of men, including Socrates, gather for a party. One of the people present chooses a topic of conversation and proposes that each of them tells a story about it ‘passing by the circle to the right’. It is the start of a long conversation. The evening at Metrocles’ house begins in the same way. Pages 123-125 In my story, Crates’ students are based on Monimus, Menedemus and Cleomenes, described in Lives of the Eminent Philosophers. Monimus started out as a banker’s slave. To be freed, he pretended to have gone mad. Menedemus was a tall, curious fellow with a long beard; he wore a grey cloak to his feet, a purple belt, boots and a hat. Cleomenes was a writer. I made up the other three students. I called them Theron, Ampelios and Ioannes, but their names do not appear in the story. Pages 129-130 Perictione: ‘One must deem the harmonious woman to be full of wisdom and self-control; a soul must be exceedingly conscious of goodness to be just and courageous and wise, embellished with self-sufficiency and hating empty opinion. Worthwhile things come to a woman from these – for herself, her husband, her children and household, perhaps even for a city […] So the harmonious woman will not wrap herself in gold or precious stones from India or anywhere else, nor will she braid her hair with artful skill or anoint herself with infusions of Arabian scent, nor will she paint her face, whitening or rougeing it, darkening her eyebrows and lashes and treating her grey hair with dye, nor will she be forever bathing. The woman who seeks these things seeks
291
an admirer of feminine weakness. It is the beauty that comes from wisdom, not from these, that gratifies women’ (from: A History of Women Philosophers, Volume 1 / 600 BC-500 AD, pp 32-33). Plato’s mother was called Perictione. It is not certain that she was the same Perictione who wrote the above text, ‘On the Harmony of Women’, though it is plausible. Earlier female philosophers in Western philosophy included Theano in the sixth century BCE and Aspasia in the fifth century BCE. Page 133 As far as we know, two women studied at Plato’s Academy: Axiothea from Phlius and Lasthenia from Mantinea. They attended the classes dressed as men. Page 146 The text in panel 3 is based on a quotation from Sartre that I happened upon in one of the philosophy classes I took at university while making this book. Page 147 Today, the Dutch government recognizes that animals are sentient beings, stating on its website: ‘In the Animals Act, the intrinsic value of the animal is central. This means that animals are considered to have a value of their own.’ It is therefore forbidden to kill animals or use them for animal products; however, this does not apply to sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, donkeys, horses, rabbits and chickens. They are on the list of animal species designated as exceptions by the government. In the UK, vertebrates will be recognized by law as sentient beings for the first time thanks to the introduction of the 2021 Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. Any new legislation will have to take into account the fact that animals can experience feelings like pain or joy, just as we humans can. The Animal Welfare Act applied in the USA seeks to control who may possess or sell certain animals and the living conditions under which the animals are kept. Dogs, cats, primates and other mammals are covered by the Act, but birds and rodents are not. Pet owners, agricultural use and retail pet stores are not under control of the law. What’s more, under most state and federal laws, animals are primarily regarded as property and have few legal rights of their own. Generally, there is a presumption in favour of the owner’s control and use over the best interest of the animal. Around 30 countries in the world have formally recognized non-human animal sentience.
292
Page 154 Most Greeks considered slavery normal at the time. The middle and upper classes of Athens considered the possession of at least one slave a basic necessity. Most people probably had two or three slaves, the rich between 10 and 20, some many more. The Cynics considered slavery to be contrary to nature and purely based on convention. Today, tens of millions of people worldwide live in slavery. Page 155 Crates was once whipped by the owner of a gym and dragged along by his foot. He casually sang a verse from Homer. Page 163 Diogenes Laërtius describes in two different stories what Crates was likely to have done with his property when he decided to live according to Cynical ideology. In one account, he opened up his lands to public sheep farming and threw all his money into the sea. In another, he sold everything he owned and distributed the proceeds to his fellow citizens. He cast his fortune on a city street like a sack of junk. With a crowd around him, he proclaimed loudly: ‘Crates hereby grants Crates his freedom’. From then on, Crates lived like a vagabond, without property and without concerns. He was a cheerful man. He purposely dressed in a thick coat in summer and a thin one in winter to get used to the heat and cold. When his family tried to talk him out of his philosophical ideals, he chased them away with a stick. People thought he was ugly, and he was often laughed at. But Crates was also nicknamed ‘the door-opener’, because he entered houses uninvited to give wise advice and was always gladly received. He reconciled friends and relatives who had quarrelled, and helped people to rid themselves of their anger, greed, envy, lust, fear and ‘other plagues and evils of the human soul’. Page 184 ‘Even the great Metrocles reportedly said that when he studied with Theophrastus and Xenocrates, even though many food parcels were sent to him from home, he lived in constant fear of starvation and was always destitute and in need. But when he switched to Crates, he discovered that without help from home, he was able to not only feed himself but others, too. For in the former case, he simply had to have new shoes, a wool overcoat, a throng of slaves and spacious quarters. At the common table, he required white bread, gourmet treats, sweet wine and choice entertainment to suit
293
the style to which he was accustomed; because among the Academics and Peripatetics, maintaining such a way of life is considered de rigeur. There was none of this with Crates, however. His habits grew modest, so that he was content with a rough mantel, barley bread and greens. Nor did he miss his old, privileged state or find any fault with the new one’ (Teles, a Cynical philosopher of the third century BCE, from: The Cynic Philosophers from Diogenes to Julian). Page 189 The feminine beauty ideal in antiquity was a plump body, long hair, pale skin and a monobrow. Page 200 Common pets in those days were geese, dogs and songbirds. Alexander the Great had a dog called Peritas. Page 267 In a discussion Hipparchia once had with a certain Theodorus, instead of a retort, he pulled up her robes, saying: ‘Is this the woman who left the bobbin by the weaving stool?’ Hipparchia replied unabashedly: ‘Surely you do not think that I have made a wrong decision about myself if I have used the time that I could have spent on weaving for my education?’ (from: Lives of the Eminent Philosophers). Pages 280-281 Crates lived from approximately 365 to 285 BCE, Hipparchia from 346 BCE. It is not known how long she lived. Hipparchia and Crates had a son and a daughter. Cynicism survived for centuries. Until at least the third century CE, there were Cynics who propagated their ideas on the streets. Their influence lives on to this day in Stoicism, which shares the same basic principles.
294
Acknowledgements Thanks to my husband Ricky van Duuren, who spent almost as many hours working on this book as I did. I am also incredibly grateful to Job van Eck, Ignace Hendriks, Miriam van Reijen, Elik Lettinga, Caroline Mulder, Emma Hayley at SelfMadeHero and translator Michele Hutchison. Thanks to the Creative Industry Fund, everyone at Nijgh & Van Ditmar and SelfMadeHero, Paula Sturm, Dieter Stok, Barbara den Ouden and the Dutch Foundation for Literature, Ariska Bonnema of the Centre for Philosophy, Derek van Zoonen, Marije Martijn, Vic van de Reijt, Jantine Wijnja, Willem de Boer of the Animal Rights Party and Rowena Vanroy from the Animal Rights Foundation. I would also like to thank my parents, my brother, my friends and my dog.
295
Barbara Stok is an award-winning comic artist from The Netherlands. Her early work was autobiographical in nature, constantly questioning the meaning of life and right and wrong, always with a light touch. Over the years, she has taken numerous philosophy classes at university. Her critically acclaimed graphic novel Vincent (SelfMadeHero, 2012), about the life of Vincent van Gogh, has been published in more than 20 countries. Stok’s fascination with philosophy led her to write The Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding, the result of five years of research.
She had a life others dreamed of, but faced a radical decision. This is the story of Hipparchia, one of the first women to become a philosopher. Greece, the fourth century BCE. Hipparchia travels to Athens to meet the rich son of a prominent family to whom she hopes to be married. But she also encounters a strange philosopher who lives on the streets. And as the marriage draws nearer, she becomes increasingly captivated by Crates’ ideas and way of life. Torn between the traditional expectations of Greek society and a philosophical movement that propagates a minimalist lifestyle and opposes all social ranks, standards and conventions, Hipparchia finds herself questioning everything she’s been taught to believe. But where does true happiness lie? With this winning portrait of a contrarian rebel, Barbara Stok’s The Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding shows that some stories, however ancient they are, remain relevant to this day.
Translated by Michele Hutchison UK £16.99 / US $22.99 / CAN $28.99 ISBN 9781914224096
www.selfmadehero.com
9 781914 224096
52299 >