22.1 The Rake’s Demise

With the overthrow of the oligarchy in Athens, the democrats were restored to power. They promised to avoid reprisals against ordinary citizens who had, willingly or unwillingly, collaborated with the Thirty in their brutal regime. Not all of those associated with the regime felt secure. One of those who did not remain at home was Xenophon, son of Gryllus, of the deme of Erchia. He was a follower of Socrates, probably in his late twenties, and “terribly good-looking.” In his writings he tells a great deal about himself in subsequent years, but he says little about his early life in Athens — perhaps because he has something to hide. He was pro-Spartan throughout his life, and, like Socrates, critical of the excesses of democracy. He is likely to have been one of the Three Thousand, a knight who fought on the side of the Thirty. Xenophon had a friend, Proxenus of Boeotia, who invited him to join him in an adventure. At about thirty years of age, Proxenus was ready to make a name for himself in the world. He had studied with Gorgias the sophist and now “considering himself ready to rule,” he signed up with a large army Cyrus the Persian was gathering. He thought Cyrus’ campaign would provide a perfect opportunity for his friend Xenophon to develop his leadership abilities. <a href="https://medium.com/the-first-philosophers/22-1-the-rakes-demise-2b898767e586">Click Here</a>