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5 BC - Xenophanes of Colophon was a philosophically-minded poet who lived in various parts of the ancient Greek.
- He is best remembered for a novel critique of anthropomorphism in religion, a partial advance toward monotheism, and some pioneering reflections on the conditions of knowledge.
- He was a travelling rhapsode who criticised the stories about the gods told by the poets, and he defended a novel conception of the divine nature.
- He was also a reflective observer of the human condition, a practitioner of the special form of ‘inquiry’ introduced by the Milesian philosopher-scientists, and a civic counselor who encouraged his fellow citizens to respect the gods and work to safeguard the well-being of their city.
- He is best remembered for a novel critique of anthropomorphism in religion, a partial advance toward monotheism, and some pioneering reflections on the conditions of knowledge.
- He was a travelling rhapsode who criticised the stories about the gods told by the poets, and he defended a novel conception of the divine nature.
- He was also a reflective observer of the human condition, a practitioner of the special form of ‘inquiry’ introduced by the Milesian philosopher-scientists, and a civic counselor who encouraged his fellow citizens to respect the gods and work to safeguard the well-being of their city.
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