Theophrastus - Ancient Vegetarian Philosopher
Theophrastus 'Father of Botany' Few people know about the ancient philosopher Theophrastus. Theophrastus was a vegetarian. He lived in ancient Greece. Best known for his work with plants, he is better known as the first plant botanist, or the 'Father of Botany'. His book 'Enquiry into Plants', along with Aristotle's book 'History of Animals, is considered one of the most important books of natural history in ancient times. Theophrastus was heavily influenced by Plato and Aristotle. In fact, he was good friends with Aristotle. He originally studied in Plato's school, then when Plato died, he attached himself to Aristotle. His interests were wide ranging, from botany, to ethics and metaphysics. Aristotle was the father of the Peripatitic school, a school of philosophy. When he died, Theophrastus took over the school, and ran it for 35 years until his death at 85. The school flourished greatly under Theophrastus. Aristole also in his will made Theoph...