Thales of Miletus

Cosmology Ancient Greek -624 – -546 337 quotes

Considered the first philosopher and scientist, he proposed that water was the fundamental element of the universe.

Quotes by Thales of Miletus

He was the first to fix the solstices.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to determine the size of the sun's diameter.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to determine the size of the moon's diameter.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to teach that the stars are not fixed.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to teach that the universe is infinite.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to teach that the universe is eternal.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to teach that the universe is one.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to teach that the universe is governed by law.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Water is the first principle of all things.

Aristotle, Metaphysics

The world is animated and full of gods.

Aristotle, De Anima

What is the most difficult thing? To know yourself. What is the easiest? To give advice.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

Mind is the most powerful of all things, for it rules over all.

Aetius, Placita Philosophorum

Happiness is health of body and peace of mind.

Stobaeus, Anthologium

The most just thing is the world, for it is the work of God.

Stobaeus, Anthologium

Do not do that which you would blame others for doing.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

The past is certain, the future obscure.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

The greatest good is to be free from pain.

Stobaeus, Anthologium

The most common thing is hope, for even those who have nothing else possess it.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers

The most useful thing is virtue, for it makes all things good.

Stobaeus, Anthologium