The survival rate of ancient texts is often gauged by the number of surviving manuscripts. This figure serves as a proxy for the texts popularity, cultural impact, and the likelihood of its preservation through the ages. A greater number of extant copies typically suggests a broader reach and greater efforts toward conservation.
Comparing the manuscript traditions of classical philosophical works with religious texts reveals significant differences. Religious texts, particularly those central to major faiths, often benefited from widespread dissemination and systematic preservation efforts driven by religious institutions and communities. This impetus resulted in the creation of numerous copies and their careful safeguarding across generations. Conversely, the preservation of philosophical works often relied on a more limited circle of scholars and libraries.
