Anaximander

Cosmology Ancient Greek -610 – -546 401 quotes

He proposed an infinite, undefined substance called the 'apeiron' as the origin of the cosmos and a geocentric model.

Quotes by Anaximander

The earth is in the middle, occupying the center of the cosmos, and is spherical.

As reported by Aristotle in On the Heavens

The boundless (apeiron) is eternal and ageless, and it encompasses all the worlds.

As reported by Simplicius in Commentary on Aristotle's Physics

Things perish into those things out of which they have their birth, according to that which is ordained; for they give reparation to one another and pay the penalty of their injustice according to the disposition of time.

As reported by Simplicius in Commentary on Aristotle's Physics

The source of coming-to-be for existing things is that into which destruction, too, happens, 'according to necessity; for they pay penalty and retribution to each other for their injustice according to the assessment of Time.'

As reported by Simplicius in Commentary on Aristotle's Physics

The earth is aloft, not supported by anything, but remaining on account of its equal distance from all things.

As reported by Aristotle in On the Heavens

The sun is highest, and the circles of the fixed stars are lowest.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

Winds occur when the finest vapours of the air, separated off, are set in motion when other vapours mass together.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

Rain is produced from the vapour that is sent up from the earth under the influence of the sun.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

Lightning occurs when wind breaks out and splits the clouds.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

The sea is what remains of the original moisture; the fire has dried up most of it, and what is left has become salty because of the burning.

As reported by Alexander of Aphrodisias in Commentary on Aristotle's Meteorology

The earth was once all water, and has been drying up over time.

As reported by Plutarch

The boundless (apeiron) has no beginning, but itself seems to be the beginning of all other things.

As reported by Aristotle in Physics

It is necessary that there be some boundless nature from which the heavens and the worlds in them come to be.

As reported by Aristotle in Physics

The boundless (apeiron) is both divine and immortal and indestructible.

As reported by Aristotle in Physics

The earth is in equipoise, staying where it is because of its equal distance from everything.

As reported by Hippolytus in Refutation of All Heresies

The circle of the sun is twenty-seven times larger than the earth, and the circle of the moon eighteen times.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

The sun is equal in size to the earth, but the circle from which it breathes and by which it is carried is twenty-seven times larger than the earth.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

The moon shines with a borrowed light, from the sun.

As reported by Aetius in Opinions of the Philosophers

Thunder is caused by the collision of clouds; lightning is the tearing of the cloud by the wind as it escapes.

As reported by Seneca in Natural Questions

Earthquakes occur when the earth is greatly parched and then cracked by the heat of the sun, or when masses of earth fall into cavernous hollows within the earth.

As reported by Seneca in Natural Questions