The son of Hegesistratus, though some [say] of Athenocritus or Damasippus, born at the same time as Socrates the philosopher, in the 77th Olympiad,[1] though others say during the 80th Olympiad.[2] An Abderite from Thrace, a philosopher, a pupil -- according to some -- of Anaxagoras and Leucippus; others [say that he was] also [a pupil of] Magi and of Chaldaeans, Persians;[3] for he went to [visit] Persians and Indians and Egyptians and was educated in the wisdom of each. Then he returned and joined his brothers Herodotus and Damastes. He held office in Abdera, after being honoured because of his wisdom. A famous pupil of his was Metrodorus of Chios[4], who in turn had Anaxarchos and Hippocrates the physician among his listeners.[5] Democritus was called Wisdom, and also Laughing-Man, because of his laughing at mankind's zealous pursuit of frivolities.[6] There are two genuine books of his: The Great Diacosmos and On the Nature of the Cosmos. He also wrote letters.