Anaximenes of Miletus
He believed that air was the primary element from which all things are derived through rarefaction and condensation.
Most quoted
"When it is thinned it becomes fire, when it is thickened it becomes wind, then cloud, then water, then earth, then stones; and from these come the rest."
— from As reported by later doxographers
"The form of air is as follows: when it is most even, it is invisible to sight, but is revealed by the cold and the hot and the damp and by movement."
— from As reported by later doxographers
"When air is dilated so as to be rarer, it becomes fire; when it is condensed, it becomes wind, then cloud, then water, then earth, then stones."
— from As reported by later doxographers
All quotes by Anaximenes of Miletus (99)
The air is the infinite and divine principle.
The air is the origin and end of all things.
The air is the fundamental stuff of the universe.
The air is the source of all differentiation.
The air is the underlying substratum.
The air is the principle of generation and corruption.
The air is the medium of all existence.
The air is the primary element from which all else derives.
The air is the boundless and eternal source.
The air is the divine and infinite principle that governs all.
Air is the principle of all things.
Just as our soul, being air, holds us together, so do breath and air encompass the whole world.
All things are in motion and change, and nothing remains at rest.
The form of air is as follows: when it is most even, it is invisible to sight, but is revealed by the cold and the hot and the damp and by movement.
The earth is flat, riding upon air.
The stars are fixed like nails in the crystalline vault of the heavens.
Rain is produced when the air thickens and condenses.
Snow is produced when the condensed air freezes.
Hail is produced when frozen water is driven from the clouds.
Lightning occurs when a wind breaks out and splits the clouds.
Contemporaries of Anaximenes of Miletus
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Anaximenes of Miletus (-585–-528).