Δημόκριτος

The son of Hegesistratus, though some [say] of Athenocritus or Damasippus, born at the same time as Socrates the philosopher, in the 77th Olympiad,¹ though others say during the 80th Olympiad.² An Abderite from Thrace, a philosopher, a pupil -- according to some -- of Anaxagoras and Leucippus; others [say that he was] also [a pupil of] Magi and of Chaldaeans, Persians;³ for he went to [visit] Persians and Indians and Egyptians and was educated in the wisdom of each. Then he returned and joined his brothers Herodotus and Damastes. He held office in Abdera↗, after being honoured because of his wisdom. A famous pupil of his was Metrodorus of Chios↗⁴, who in turn had Anaxarchos and Hippocrates the physician among his listeners.⁵ Democritus was called Wisdom, and also Laughing-Man, because of his laughing at mankind's zealous pursuit of frivolities.⁶ There are two genuine books of his: The Great Diacosmos and On the Nature of the Cosmos. He also wrote letters.