XENOPHANES, a Greek philosopher, born in Colophon, was, say some authors, the disciple of Archelaus; according to which he must have been contemporary with Socrates. Others relate, that he taught himself all he knew, and that he lived at the same time with Anaximander. By this account he must have flourished before Socrates, and about the 60th Olympiad, as Diogenes Laertius affirms. He wrote several poems on philosophical subjects; as also a great many on the foundation of Colophon, and on that of the colony of Elea. His opinion with regard to the nature of God does not differ much from that of Spinoza. He wrote against Homer and Hesiod. When he saw the Egyptians pour forth lamentations during their festivals, he thus advised them: "If the objects of your worship are Gods, do not weep; if they are men, offer not sacrifices to them." He was banished from his country, withdrew to Sicily, and lived in Zanche and Catana. He founded the Eleatic sect. The answer Xenophanes made to a man, with whom he had refused to play at dice, is highly worthy of a philosopher. This man calling him a coward, "Yes, (replied he) I am excessively so with regard to all shameful actions."