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 say that the world is eternal.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

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

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the stars are not gods, but fiery bodies.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the earth is a sphere, and that it is in the center of the universe.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the moon is not a goddess, but a body that reflects the light of the sun.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the sun is not a god, but a fiery body.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the universe is not created, but eternal.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the world is not governed by chance, but by necessity.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the stars are not gods, but bodies that move in a circle.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to say that the earth is not flat, but round, and that it is in the center of the universe.

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Water is the principle of all things.

Aristotle's Metaphysics -585

The soul is the cause of motion in all things.

Aristotle's On the Soul -550

The magnet possesses a soul, for it moves iron.

Aristotle's On the Soul -600

The earth floats on water like a log on the sea.

Aristotle's On the Heavens -585

The past is certain, but the future is hidden.

Diogenes Laertius -600

Know thyself.

Attribution as one of the Seven Sages -585

The most difficult thing is to know oneself.

Plato's Charmides -550

Time is the wisest counselor.

Anecdotal -600

The world is one, and it is composed of water.

Aristotle -585

Everything comes from water and returns to water.

Later interpretations -550