Eratosthenes

Calculated Earth's circumference

Ancient influential 69 sayings

Sayings by Eratosthenes

I write poetry, history, and mathematics.

c. 230 BCE — Highlighting his diverse intellectual pursuits, a true polymath.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world is full of wonders, if only one takes the time to observe.

c. 250 BCE — General philosophical statement consistent with a curious scientist.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Syene lies directly under the summer solstice sun.

c. 240 BCE — Key observation for his Earth circumference calculation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Alexandria is approximately 5,000 stadia north of Syene.

c. 240 BCE — Another key datum for his Earth circumference calculation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The inclination of the Earth's axis is fundamental to understanding seasons.

c. 240 BCE — His work on the obliquity of the ecliptic.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I strive for accuracy in all my measurements.

c. 250 BCE — Reflecting his rigorous scientific methodology.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The map of the world should reflect the true dimensions of the Earth.

c. 230 BCE — His drive for scientific cartography.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not merely a geographer; I am a cosmographer.

c. 230 BCE — Emphasizing his interest in the entire cosmos, not just Earth.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The distances between cities can be used to understand the Earth's curvature.

c. 240 BCE — His innovative use of terrestrial distances for celestial measurements.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have sought to correct the errors of my predecessors.

c. 230 BCE — His critical approach to existing knowledge and desire for improvement.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The library of Alexandria holds the knowledge of the world.

c. 250 BCE — As chief librarian, he would have recognized its immense value.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have calculated the length of the year with great care.

c. 240 BCE — His work on calendrics and the length of the tropical year.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Geometry is the key to understanding the cosmos.

c. 250 BCE — Fundamental belief of Greek mathematicians and astronomers.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world is divided by zones, temperate, torrid, and frigid.

c. 230 BCE — His contributions to climatic zones and geographical divisions.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must rely on observation and reason, not myth.

c. 250 BCE — His scientific approach contrasting with earlier mythological explanations.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The stars are not merely points of light; they are celestial bodies.

c. 240 BCE — Reflecting a more advanced astronomical understanding.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have tried to bring order to the chaos of geographical knowledge.

c. 230 BCE — His efforts in systematizing geography.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Earth is suspended in space, not resting on anything.

c. 250 BCE — Advanced cosmological idea for his time, though not unique to him.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My method for prime numbers is elegant and efficient.

c. 240 BCE — His pride in the 'Sieve of Eratosthenes'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The circumference calculation was based on principles of geometry and astronomy.

c. 240 BCE — Explaining the interdisciplinary nature of his work.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable