Menedemus

was a Cynic philosopher, rather of a later period, just before that sect sunk into disrepute, and that of the Stoics under Zeno rose out of its ruins. It is probable that the extravagance of this very man contributed very materially to bring his sect into disrepute; for he went about, says Diogenes Laertius, dressed like a fury, and saying that he was sent by the infernal gods, to report to them the transgressions of men. His dress was a long black robe, reaching to his feet; a scarlet girdle; a large Arcadian cap, with the twelve signs of the zodiac embroidered on it; tragic buskins, a vast beard, and a strong ashen staff in his hand. Laertius says that he was a pupil of Colotes of Lampsacus, of whom, however, he gives no particular account. Others make him the disciple of Echecles an Ephesian, another Cynic. Suidas, by mistake, applies to Menippus the extravagant dress here attributed to Menedemus. Menippus, however, was a disciple of Menedemus. ¹