Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/219



1. next Greek philosopher of whom we have to speak is Anaxagoras. Anaxagoras was born at Clazomenæ, one of the Ionian towns in Asia Minor, in the year 500 B.C. He was thus somewhat older than Democritus, and even than Leucippus; but as his system may be regarded as contemporary with that of the Atomists, I have thought it better to treat of them before treating of him. Though sprung from a rich and distinguished family, Anaxagoras surrendered all his possessions to his relatives, and betook himself to the study of philosophy. He settled in Athens in his early manhood, probably between the years 480 and 460 B. C.; and from this time Athens began to be the centre of those emanations of philosophic thought which had heretofore shown themselves only in the colonies.

2. As a resident within the walls of Athens, Anaxagoras dwelt for many years, enjoying the friendship of Pericles, and other distinguished citizens, to whom he imparted freely his philosophical opinions.