Note 2 — Chapter XXII · PYRRHO.

(3) Pyrrho and his followers. Pyrrho was a native of Elis,2 and may therefore have early made the acquaintance of the Elean and Megarian criticism—that criticism, in fact, which was the precursor of subsequent Scepticism. It can, however, hardly be true that Bryso was his instructor.3 To Anaxarchus, a follower of Democritus, he attached himself, and accompanied that philosopher with Alexander’s army as far as India.4 Perhaps, however, he is less indebted to Anaxarchus for the sceptical than for the ethical parts of his teaching.5 At a later period he resided in his native city,6 honoured by his fellow-citizens,7 but in poor circumstances,8 which he bore with his characteristic repose of mind.9 He died, it would appear, at an advanced age,10 between 275 and 270 B.C., leaving no writings behind.11 Even the ancients, therefore, only knew his teaching by that of his pupils, among whom Timon of Phlius was the most distinguished.12 Besides Timon several other of his pupils are known by name.13 His School, however, was short-lived.14 Soon after Timon it seems to have become extinct.15 Those who were disposed to be sceptical now joined the New Academy, towards whose founder even Timon made no secret of his grudge.16