Thales of Miletus
Considered the first philosopher and scientist, he proposed that water was the fundamental element of the universe.
Quotes by Thales of Miletus
The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.
Water is the archê (origin or first principle) of all things.
All things are full of gods.
The world is animated and full of daemons.
The greatest thing is space, for it contains all things.
Time is the wisest of all things, for it finds out everything.
Hope is the only good that is common to all men; those who have nothing else possess hope still.
What is difficult? To know yourself. What is easy? To advise another.
What is divine? That which has no beginning and no end.
What is the most just? To see what is right.
What is the most beautiful? The world, for it is the work of God.
What is the swiftest? Mind, for it runs through everything.
What is the strongest? Necessity, for it masters all things.
What is the wisest? Time, for it discovers everything.
Do not do what you would blame others for doing.
Avoid getting rich by evil means, and do not let your good name be tarnished by ill repute.
The earth floats on water.
The magnet has a soul because it moves iron.
The sun and the other heavenly bodies are made of earth.
The moon is illuminated by the sun.