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)
For any account, an equal account can be given that contradicts it.
The wise man will not make definite statements.
All appearances are equally false, or equally true.
We should not prefer one appearance to another.
The outcome for those who adopt suspension of judgment is first non-assertion, then tranquility.
It is not possible to be certain of anything.
We must suspend judgment about all things.
The same thing appears different to different animals, to different people, and to the same person under different conditions.
Nothing is in itself either good or bad, but these are judgments by people.
We should not be dogmatic about what is non-evident.
I do not know how things are in their nature.
One must not be hasty in assent.
The suspension of judgment extends to all propositions.
We are so constituted that we cannot know the truth.
All theories are equally plausible and equally implausible.
I withhold assent from all dogmatic claims.
The wise person lives without beliefs.
We must oppose to every proposition an equal proposition.
Nothing can be apprehended for certain.
The aim of skepticism is tranquility in matters of opinion.
Contemporaries of Pyrrho of Elis
Other Philosophys born within 50 years of Pyrrho of Elis (-360–-270).