Pyrrho of Elis
Considered the founder of Pyrrhonian skepticism, advocating for suspension of judgment to achieve tranquility.
Most quoted
"Whoever wants to be happy must consider these three questions: First, what are things like by nature? Second, what attitude should we adopt towards them? Third, what will be the outcome for those who have this attitude?"
— from Via Aristocles of Messene
"Things are equally indifferent, unmeasurable and inarbitrable. Because of this, neither our sensations nor our opinions tell us truths or falsehoods."
— from Via Sextus Empiricus
"Nothing is honorable or base, just or unjust; and likewise, nothing is true or false, but everything is a matter of custom and convention."
— from Sextus Empiricus, Outlines of Pyrrhonism, -300
All quotes by Pyrrho of Elis (152)
No man knows or can know the truth.
The senses are unreliable guides.
Equanimity comes from withholding assent.
Every argument has its opposite.
Pursue tranquility through skepticism.
Nothing is certain, nothing is impossible.
The dog barked at the moon, thinking it a thief.
Why worry about what you cannot know?
In philosophy, doubt is the beginning of wisdom.
All opinions are equally false.
Follow nature, but question it always.
The madman sees the world as it is not; the skeptic sees it as unknown.
Peace of mind is found in indecision.
No doctrine is preferable to another.
The elephant is not what it seems.
Abstain from dogmatism in all things.
Life's meaning lies in serene ignorance.
Arguments cancel each other out.
Travel taught me the relativity of truths.
The philosopher laughs at certainties.
Contemporaries of Pyrrho of Elis
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Pyrrho of Elis (-360–-270).