Metrocles

1. Life and Philosophy

Metrocles was a Cynic philosopher from Maroneia in Thrace who
flourished around 300 BCE. He began his study of philosophy as a pupil
in Aristotle's Lyceum, and later became a follower of Crates the
Cynic. Metrocles' sister Hipparchia was married to Crates.

The story of Metrocles' conversion to Cynicism is reported by Diogenes
Laertius. (It is important to remember that Diogenes is writing
several centuries later, and that his accounts often contain
inaccuracies, as well as some false stories which were passed down
insofar as they were taken to be illustrative of a particular
philosopher or tradition.) Metrocles had reportedly passed gas while
practicing a speech, and was so distraught that he shut himself up at
home, intending to commit suicide by abstaining from food. (VI.94.3-5)
Crates the Cynic philosopher then visited him and made a dinner of
lentils. (94.5-6) First, Crates tried to persuade Metrocles by means
of reason that he had committed no offense, for something "monstrous"
would have resulted had he not expelled the air according to nature.
(94.7-10) Metrocles was finally turned from despair when Crates
himself farted, because of the similarity of the two events.
(94.10-12) Afterwards, Metrocles became skilled in philosophy as the
student of Crates. (94.12-13)

This brief story illustrates the folly of adherence to social
convention, which the Cynic rejects in favor of a life according to
nature. The absurdity of young Metrocles' exaggerated reaction to his
violation of decorum stands in sharp contrast to Crates' cheerful
acceptance of the natural bodily functions. The lentils themselves are
symbolically significant: not only were they useful for encouraging
Crates' flatulence, but they were often praised by Cynics as a humble,
efficient food. The choice of this meal, which probably seemed crude
by Metrocles' formerly aristocratic standards, is a means of refusing
the conventional preference for delicate, fancy foods in favor of a
simple, self-sufficient approach to nutrition. The story is also a
typical example of the Cynic use of humor to teach a moral lesson:
Metrocles is not persuaded by Crates' reasoned argument, but abandons
his gloom only when he witnesses Crates performing the same impolite
but natural deed, which one easily imagines would have provoked mirth.
2. References and Further Reading
Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Vol. II, tr. R. D.
Hicks (Cambridge: Harvard University Press) 1925 (reprint 1995),
VI.96-98.