Lives of the Eminent Philosophers - 11 Pherecydes of Syros

Pherecydes, son of Barbys, was a notable figure from Syros, known for being a student of Pittacus and a mentor to Pythagoras. Renowned for his insights into nature and the divine, he is credited as the first to write on these subjects. His life is surrounded by remarkable stories, including his accurate predictions of a ship sinking off Samos and an earthquake occurring while he was drinking well water. He advised the people of Messini and Demonios on various matters, with varying degrees of success and obedience.

Pherecydes was involved in a war between Ephesus and Magnesia, supporting Ephesus and ultimately dying in Magnesian territory as per his own instructions. His death is a subject of various accounts: some say he threw himself from Mount Corycus, others believe he died of natural causes and was buried by Pythagoras, and a few claim his demise was due to a disease caused by vermin.

Pherecydes is remembered for his philosophical contributions, including defining the word for 'table' as 'Thuoros', which means 'that which takes care of offerings'. He lived during the 59th Olympiad and authored a book that begins with the existence of Zeus, Kronos, and Catharina. His sundial is preserved on Syros, and he is commemorated with an inscription highlighting his wisdom and connection with Pythagoras.

There is some debate about the identity of Pherecydes, with some historians like Eratosthenes suggesting there was only one Pherecydes of Syros, while others argue there were two distinct individuals from Syros, one an astronomer and the other a theologian. His legacy is further cemented by a poignant letter he wrote to Thales, discussing his illness and philosophical works, underscoring his contribution to early Greek philosophy and his role among the sages of his time.