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
Earthquakes are caused by the agitation of the earth by the waves of the sea upon which it floats.
All things come from water and all return to water.
The first principle and basic nature of all things is water.
He held that the world is held up by water and rides like a ship, and when it is said to 'quake' it is actually rocking because of the water's movement.
The nourishment of all things is moist.
Heat itself is generated from moisture and kept alive by it.
The seeds of all things have a moist nature.
Water is the archê (first principle) of the nature of moist things.
The sun and the moon and the other stars are gods; for in them there is a divine power that moves them.
The world is intelligent, and it is pervaded by a divine mind.
The divine is that which has neither beginning nor end.
It is not what we say, but what we do, that reveals our character.
The easiest thing is to give advice to another.
Pleasure is a good that is common to all animals, but virtue is a good that belongs only to men.
It is better to excite envy than pity.
Remember friends, whether present or absent.
Do not let your tongue outrun your thought.