Chapter 3. HERILLUS (flor. c. 260 b.c.)
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Herillus of Carthage declared the end of action to be Knowledge,
that is, so to live always as to make the scientific life the
standard in all things and not to be misled by ignorance. Knowledge
he defined as a habit of mind, not to be upset by argument, in the
acceptance of presentations. Sometimes he used to say there was no
single end of action, but it shifted according to varying
circumstances and objects, as the same bronze might become a statue
either of Alexander or of Socrates. He made a distinction between
end-in-chief and subordinate end : even the unwise may aim at the
latter, but only the wise seek the true end of life. Everything that
lies between virtue and vice he pronounced indifferent. His
writings, though they do not occupy much space, are full of vigour
and contain some controversial passages in reply to Zeno.
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He
is said to have had many admirers when a boy ; and as Zeno wished to
drive them away, he compelled Herillus to have his head shaved,
which disgusted them.
His books are the following :
Of Training.
Of the Passions.
Concerning
Opinion or Belief.
The Legislator.
The
Obstetrician.
The Challenger.
The Teacher.
The
Reviser.
The Controller.
Hermes.
Medea.
Dialogues.
Ethical Themes.