Question 1

What is the best book to start with?

Accepted Answer

Edward Watts, Hypatia: The Life and Legend of an Ancient Philosopher. Separates evidence from legend.

Question 2

What is the most famous quote?

Accepted Answer

This library does not measure fame. It also does not file a line for Hypatia of Alexandria that it is willing to treat as a settled quotation.

Question 3

What is the most misquoted line?

Accepted Answer

The library marks this as Misattributed: “Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” Not from Hypatia. No writings of hers survive. The line comes from Elbert Hubbard's 1908 fictionalised sketch, where it is spoken by her father Theon to Hypatia: 'Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all,' said Theon. Later posters moved it to her.

Question 4

What is one key idea, in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

Mathematics and astronomy: Commentary and editing of the great technical works.