The Shelves · Philosophy

Sayings of the Seven Sages

Τῶν ἑπτὰ σοφῶν ἀποφθέγματα

Known · Probablein Alexandria?Conjecturedvery likely class

◇ Doubted: the attribution is uncertain. Stobaeus transmits the collection under Demetrius's name; how much is his is uncertain.

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I · The entry, in his form

In the table of Philosophy: “apophthegms”

Conjecturedvery likely class

Demetrius of Phalerum (attributed)

c. 350–280 BCE. A pupil of Theophrastus who governed Athens for Cassander (317–307 BCE) and came, exiled, to Ptolemy I. He advised the king to read books on kingship.

Sayings of the Seven Sages

Τῶν ἑπτὰ σοφῶν ἀποφθέγματα

Opening words not preserved.

Length: not counted

◇ Doubted: the attribution is uncertain. Stobaeus transmits the collection under Demetrius's name; how much is his is uncertain.

Above, his entry form, filled from what we know. Below, ours.

II · Does it survive? Where to read it

Survives in large part

Preserved as a list in Stobaeus's anthology (3.1.172).

Was it in Alexandria?

Known · Probable

Probably held in the Library.

In the cupboard: no source names the Alexandrian copy, but its scholars' use of it makes one very likely.

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III · In the show

The show has not yet spoken of this work.

IV · Sources and the living entry

Ancient references (4)
  • Stobaeus 3.1.172
  • Diogenes Laertius 5.75-83
  • Plutarch, Sayings of Kings (Moralia 189d)
  • Letter of Aristeas 9-11
Modern scholarship (2)
  • W. W. Fortenbaugh and E. Schutrumpf (eds), Demetrius of Phalerum: Text, Translation and Discussion (New Brunswick: Transaction, 2000).
  • P. M. Fraser, Ptolemaic Alexandria, 3 vols. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1972)

Entry checked 31 Oct 2026 · no corrections · Suggest a correction ›

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Beside it in the cupboard