ARISTIPPUS

:''For the medieval Sicilian translator, scholar, and courtier, see Henry Aristippus.''
'Aristippus' (c. 435-366 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher born in Cyrene in Africa. He was evidently well-known as a follower of Socrates, since Plato in the ''Phaedo'' -- his account of Socrates' last day -- makes an inquirer express surprise at the report that Aristippus was not at Socrates' side when the latter was executed; it turned out that Aristippus happened to be away, on the island of Aegina with another of Socrates' associates Cleombrotus. Aristippus goes otherwise unmentioned in Plato's dialogues, though he does appear in Xenophon's writings. According to Aeschines Socraticus, Aristippus was originally attracted to Athens "because of Socrates' fame".
Diogenes Laertius relates a number of stories involving Aristippus at the court of Dionysius or Dionysius the Younger.
Either Aristippus himself or his grandson Aristippus was the founder of the Cyrenaic school, which endorsed hedonism and egoism. The elder Aristippus' daughter Arete of Cyrene was said to have been a philosopher herself, who educated the younger Aristippus, who was consequently nicknamed ''Mētrodidactus'' or "Mother-Taught".
None of the writings of either Aristippus has survived.
In Book VI of De architectura Vitruvius describes one of Aristippus writings "It is related of the Socratic philosopher Aristippus that, being shipwrecked and cast ashore on the coast of the Rhodians, he observed geometrical figures drawn thereon, and cried out to his companions: "Let us be of good cheer, for I see the traces of man." With that he made for the city of Rhodes, and went straight to the gymnasium. There he fell to discussing philosophical subjects, and presents were bestowed upon him, so that he could not only fit himself out, but could also provide those who accompanied him with clothing and all other necessaries of life. When his companions wished to return to their country, and asked him what message he wished them to carry home, he bade them say this: that children ought to be provided with property and resources of a kind that could swim with them even out of a shipwreck."