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

Motion is the sign of divine life.

Aristotle -585

Seek truth in the flowing stream of existence.

Anecdotal -550

The oldest of things is God, for he is uncreated.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The greatest of things is space, for it contains all things.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The swiftest of things is mind, for it runs through everything.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The wisest of things is time, for it discovers everything.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The most beautiful of things is the world, for it is the work of God.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

The commonest of things is hope, for those who have nothing else have hope.

Attributed byogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Water is the arche (beginning or first principle) of all things.

Attributed by Aristotle, Metaphysics

What is God? That which has neither beginning nor end.

Attributed by Stobaeus, Anthologium

What is most pleasant? To succeed.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

How shall we lead the best and most righteous lives? By refraining from doing what we blame in others.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Do not get rich by evil means.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Do not trust everyone.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

It is better to be envied than pitied.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Leisure is the most delightful thing.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

He was the first to declare the soul immortal.

Attributed by Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

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

Attributed by Stobaeus, Anthologium

The most ancient of things is God, for he is ungenerated.

Attributed by Stobaeus, Anthologium

The greatest of things is place, for it contains all things.

Attributed by Stobaeus, Anthologium