The Logos Scripture · Acts of the Apostles

The Wave of Sovereignty: Aristippus in Africa

Acts of the Apostles 4 · A Record of the Great Scattering

4.1Aristippus set sail for the sun-drenched city of Africa — Cyrene.

4.2Where the merchants were rich beyond the world from rare spice and famous horses.

4.3He wore no rags, nor did he shut himself in an academy.

4.4He walked into the palaces of the rich in splendid clothes, drank their aged wine, and accepted their gold.

4.5The followers of Antisthenes mocked him, saying:

4.6"You have sold the soul of Socrates and become a flatterer of courts!"

4.7But Aristippus answered with exquisite wit:

4.8"Socrates knew how to walk barefoot in the snow. He also knew how to make a royal banquet blaze."

4.9"I do not fear gold, nor do I worship it. I possess it, and it does not possess me."

4.10"If the king strips me of my cloak tomorrow, I will walk on naked with the same smile."

4.11He founded the Cyrenaic school, and taught his disciples the art of "the sovereign hour."

4.12He taught them to treat the material world as a playground of delight.

4.13To surf the crest of pleasure, and never let the water into the lungs.

4.14He proved that one who is unbound may live in the belly of the beast, ringed with luxury, and remain in spirit as free as a bird of the sky.