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)
Embrace the undecidable.
In doubt, there is freedom.
No sense is trustworthy alone.
Custom is the king of all.
Why affirm when you can suspend?
Ataraxia is the fruit of epoché.
The world is a shadow play.
Question everything, affirm nothing.
Skepticism heals the soul.
Every proof has a flaw.
Live undogmatically.
The certain is the enemy of peace.
Illusions abound; truth hides.
In philosophy, balance is key.
Doubt brings delight.
No last words; only suspension.
The journey to India revealed relativity.
All is flux, all is uncertain.
Mock the dogmatist gently.
Meaning emerges from not knowing.
Contemporaries of Pyrrho of Elis
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Pyrrho of Elis (-360–-270).