Theophrastus

Biology Ancient Greek -371 – -287 297 quotes

Considered the 'father of botany' for his detailed descriptions and classifications of plants in his works 'Enquiry into Plants' and 'On the Causes of Plants'.

Quotes by Theophrastus

There are many plants which are useful for medicine, and many which are harmful.

Enquiry into Plants

The study of plants is a noble and useful pursuit.

Enquiry into Plants

Character is the sum of all our habits.

Characters

Flattery is a base and ignoble vice.

Characters

The talkative man is a nuisance to himself and to others.

Characters

Superstition is a weakness of the mind.

Characters

The avaricious man is never satisfied.

Characters

The boor is a man who has no sense of propriety.

Characters

The officious man is a busybody.

Characters

The distrustful man is his own tormentor.

Characters

The unseasonable man is always out of place.

Characters

The man of petty ambition is a slave to opinion.

Characters

The universe is eternal and uncreated.

Metaphysics

There is no such thing as chance, but only causes unknown to us.

Metaphysics

The primary substances are matter and form.

Metaphysics

Knowledge begins with sensation.

On Sensation

The soul is the principle of life.

On the Soul

The best life is the life of contemplation.

Ethics

Friendship is a necessary good.

Ethics

Virtue is a mean between two extremes.

Ethics