From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordPhthartos names what can pass away or be destroyed.
- In StobaeusThe cosmological poem attributed to Linus distinguishes the death of perishable things from what persists while changing its appearances and shapes.
- In this edition“Perishable” preserves the contrast with aphthartos and related negatives.
- A place to beginPerishable formations die while underlying existence changes its appearance.
- English renderings
- perishable; liable to destruction
Meaning
Phthartos names what can pass away or be destroyed. It need not imply that the material or underlying reality is annihilated along with a particular formation.
Use in the book
The cosmological poem attributed to Linus distinguishes the death of perishable things from what persists while changing its appearances and shapes. Its paradox of “immortal death” gives recurring dissolution a lasting place within the whole. The contrast is between changing manifestations and enduring existence, although several surrounding verses are damaged.
Places to read
- I.10.5Perishable formations die while underlying existence changes its appearance.
Translation in this edition
“Perishable” preserves the contrast with aphthartos and related negatives. Avoid translating the word as “unreal.”
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 119–120. The Linus excerpt contains corrupt verses and editorial repairs; it does not support a fully reconstructed cosmological system in every detail.