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 stars are compressed air, full of fire, and they breathe out flames.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius)

The earth is a cylinder, like a column of stone.

On Nature (as reported by Pseudo-Plutarch)

The apeiron is the principle and element of existing things.

On Nature (as reported by Simplicius)

The world is one, and it is generated from the apeiron.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius)

The apeiron is the material cause of all things.

On Nature (as reported by Aristotle)

The apeiron is the source of the generation and destruction of all things.

On Nature (as reported by Simplicius)

The earth is in the middle, and it is spherical.

On Nature (as reported by Diogenes Laërtius, though this is likely a later interpretation)

The sun is the purest fire.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius)

The moon has its own light.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius, though this is likely a misattribution)

The first living beings were generated from the moist element, enclosed in thorny shells.

On Nature (as reported by Censorinus)

The apeiron is the boundless.

On Nature (as reported by Simplicius)

The earth is a cylinder, like a column of stone, and we live on one of its flat surfaces.

On Nature (as reported by Hippolytus)

The stars are fiery bodies, and they are carried around by circles of air.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius)

The apeiron is the divine, for it is immortal and indestructible.

On Nature (as reported by Aristotle)

The earth is suspended freely, not supported by anything.

On Nature (as reported by Hippolytus)

The first animals were generated in the sea.

On Nature (as reported by Censorinus)

The moon is eclipsed when the opening in its fiery wheel is blocked.

On Nature (as reported by Hippolytus)

The apeiron is the origin of all things.

On Nature (as reported by Simplicius)

The earth is a cylinder, whose height is one-third of its diameter.

On Nature (as reported by Hippolytus)

The stars are fiery breathings.

On Nature (as reported by Aetius)