Nicarete

Nicarete of Megara (fl. c. 400 BCE) was a Greek hetaira, a type of educated companion or courtesan. She is notable primarily for her philosophical contributions. She is believed to have been a member of the Megarian school of philosophy, founded by Euclid of Megara, and to have been a student or associate of Stilpo, another prominent Megarian philosopher.

While no writings by Nicarete survive, historical sources suggest she played a significant role in the intellectual life of the time. She is credited with influencing Crates of Thebes, a Cynic philosopher. According to Diogenes Laërtius, Crates was initially wealthy but renounced his possessions and adopted a life of poverty and simplicity after being inspired by Nicarete. The specifics of her influence on Crates are not well-documented, but her ability to persuade a man to abandon his wealth speaks to her intellectual and rhetorical skills.

Nicarete is an example of a woman who, despite societal constraints, participated in and contributed to philosophical discourse in ancient Greece. Her story provides a glimpse into the less formal avenues of philosophical learning and influence that existed alongside the more traditionally recognized schools and academies. Due to the fragmentary nature of the historical record, much about her life and philosophical contributions remains speculative.