Meaning: The quote "It is not I who have lost the Athenians, but the Athenians who have lost me" is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Anaxagoras. Anaxagoras was a pre-Socratic philosopher known for his theories on cosmology and the nature of the universe. This quote reflects Anaxagoras' perspective on his relationship with the Athenian society and the circumstances that led to his departure from Athens.

Anaxagoras was born in Clazomenae, a city in the Anatolian region of what is now Turkey, around 500 BCE. He later moved to Athens, where he became known for his radical ideas about the nature of the cosmos. Anaxagoras proposed that the basic substance of the universe was a primordial particle called "nous" or mind, which he believed to be the driving force behind the organization and movement of all things. His theories challenged the prevailing views of the time and attracted the attention of influential figures in Athenian society, including the statesman Pericles.

However, Anaxagoras' unconventional ideas and his association with Pericles eventually led to his downfall in Athens. According to historical accounts, Anaxagoras was accused of impiety and blasphemy for his cosmological theories, which were seen as undermining traditional religious beliefs. In response to these accusations, Anaxagoras chose to leave Athens and seek refuge in Lampsacus, a city in the Persian Empire.

The quote "It is not I who have lost the Athenians, but the Athenians who have lost me" can be understood as Anaxagoras' assertion that it was not his own failing that led to his departure from Athens, but rather the narrow-mindedness and intolerance of the Athenian society. In this statement, Anaxagoras implies that the loss of his presence and influence was a detriment to the Athenians themselves, as they failed to appreciate and understand the value of his philosophical contributions.

Anaxagoras' departure from Athens reflects a recurring theme in the history of philosophy, where innovative thinkers often face resistance and persecution for challenging established beliefs and societal norms. The quote captures the defiance and conviction of a philosopher who refused to compromise his intellectual integrity in the face of opposition.

Anaxagoras' legacy has endured through his contributions to the development of ancient Greek philosophy and his influence on subsequent generations of thinkers. Despite his exile from Athens, Anaxagoras continued to have a lasting impact on the philosophical tradition, inspiring later philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle.

In conclusion, the quote "It is not I who have lost the Athenians, but the Athenians who have lost me" encapsulates Anaxagoras' defiance and conviction in the face of opposition from Athenian society. It reflects the challenges faced by innovative thinkers who dare to challenge established beliefs and the enduring legacy of Anaxagoras in the history of philosophy.