Metrodorus of Lampsacus

Metrodorus of Lampsacus (330–277 BC) was a Greek philosopher of the Epicurean school and one of the most distinguished disciples of Epicurus. Only fragments of his works survive, so his thought can be reconstructed only from quotations and references by other authors.

He was born in Lampsacus, a Greek city on the Hellespont. He joined the school that Epicurus had founded in his home town together with his brother Timocrates. While Timocrates eventually fell out with the master and spent much of his life spreading slander about him, Metrodorus became Epicurus's favourite pupil and closest friend, and followed him to Athens. He married Leontion and died at 53, seven years before Epicurus, who according to the sources would have named him his successor had he survived.

According to Diogenes Laertius, his writings covered medicine, sensation, dialectic, wealth and nobility, and included polemics against Democritus and Plato. His outlook seems more sensual than that of Epicurus: according to Cicero, perfect happiness meant having a sound body and knowing it would remain so. In On Wealth he argued that the Cynic rejection of poverty was justified, favouring a comfortable life, even though wealth does not amount to happiness.

His legacy comes largely through others. Fragments of On Wealth were found charred in the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum, and Philodemus drew on that work in his own writings.