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

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

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Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

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The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

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Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

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The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

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Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.

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We live not for ourselves alone, but for the whole community.

Characters -310

The just man is the one who does what is right, not what is expedient.

Metaphysics -305

Plants are the silent witnesses to the earth's history.

Enquiry into Plants -320

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.

Letters -315

The flatterer is a person who will go to any lengths to please.

Characters -300

In the study of nature, observation precedes theory.

On the History of Plants -325

Happiness is found in the pursuit of knowledge.

Personal Reflections -295

The soul is nourished by virtue and learning.

Ethics -310

The talker is one who utters words without meaning.

Characters -300

Life's greatest joy is in understanding the world around us.

Metaphysics -305

Seeds of knowledge grow into trees of wisdom.

On Plants -315

The superstitious man fears the divine in every shadow.

Characters -300

Botany reveals the hidden order of creation.

Enquiry into Plants -325

True friendship withstands the storms of adversity.

Letters -310