5.15

Characteristics of Ancient Biographies (Box 5.2)

• no pretense of detached objectivity
• no concern for establishing facts (e.g., by citing evidence or sources)
• little attention to historical data (names, dates, places)
• little attention to chronology of events or development of the subject’s thought
• no psychological interest in the subject’s inner motivations
• anecdotal style of narration
• emphasis on the subject’s character and defining traits
• consistent focus on the subject’s philosophy of life
• strong interest in the subject’s death, as consistent with philosophy of life
• presentation of the subject as a model worthy of emulation
• depiction of the subject as superior to competitors or rivals
• overall concern with the subject’s legacy, evident in followers who carry on the tradition