How to See Through the Thoughts of the First Western Philosopher

Wisdom from the one of the 7 wise men of antiquity

Known as the first Western philosopher and one of the Seven Wise Men of antiquity, he was born in the city of Miletus in the 620’s BC. He had great influence on later philosophers. Aristotle claimed he was the founder of European philosophy.

Thales of Miletus was considered a scientist, engineer, and mathematician. He was known for his understanding of geometry and is thought to be the first person to whom a mathematical discovery was attributed. Thales is also known as the first person to entertain and engage in scientific philosophy.

Thales died in about 546 BC at the age of 78 during the 58th Olympiad. Let’s explore some of the things he is said to have stated passed down through history. I have grouped Thales’ quotes by subject to help you find those of interest more quickly.

God

“God is the most ancient of all things, for he had no birth.”

“What is it that is most beautiful? — The Universe; for it is the work of God. What is most powerful? — Necessity; because it triumphs over all things. What is most difficult? — To know one’s self. What is most easy? — To give advice. What method must we take to lead a good life? — To do nothing we would condemn in others. What is necessary to happiness? — A sound body and a contented mind.”

Cosmology

“Place is the greatest thing, as it contains all things.”

“If there is a change, there must be some thing that changes, yet does not change”

“All things are from water and all things are resolved into water.”

“We live not, in reality, on the summit of a solid earth but at the bottom of an ocean of air”

Time

“Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light.”

“Take Time by the forelock.”

“The past is certain, the future obscure.”

Self

“Know thyself.”

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.”

“Conceal thy domestic ills.”

“Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.”

“I will be sufficiently rewarded if when telling it to others you will not claim the discovery as your own, but will say it was mine.”

Hope

“Hope is the most universal of human possessions.”

“Hope is the only good that is common to all men; those who have nothing else possess hope still.”

Thought

“Nothing is more active than thought, for it travels over the universe, and nothing is stronger than necessity for all must submit to it.”

Health

“[One] who is healthy in body, resourceful in soul and of a readily teachable nature.”

“What man is happy? He who has a healthy body, a resourceful mind, and a docile nature.”

“Who is happy? This is a person, who has a healthy body, is dowered with peace of mind and cultivates his talents.”

“A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.”

“Many words are not proof of the wise man, because the sage only talk when it’s needed, and the words are measured and corresponding with the need.”

Necessity

“Necessity is the strongest of things, for it rules everything.”

Intelligence

“Intellect is the swiftest of things, for it runs through everything.”

Industriousness

“As brightness is to rustiness, so labor excelleth idleness.”

Wealth and Debt

“Suretyship (Dogma) is the precursor of ruin.”

“If there is neither excessive wealth nor immoderate poverty in a nation, then justice may be said to prevail.”

Fortune

“There are three attributes for which I am grateful to Fortune: that I was born, first, human and not animal; second, man and not woman; and third, Greek and not barbarian.”

Geometry

“Placing your stick at the end of the shadow of the pyramid, you made by the sun’s rays two triangles, and so proved that the pyramid [height] was to the stick [height] as the shadow of the pyramid to the shadow of the stick.”

The words of Thales continue to live on because of their relevance to life. Do The words of Thales influence your personal thoughts in any way?

Your philosophy drives your life, so I ask you to be inspired by Thales’ words and read other ancient philosophers, carefully considering how they impact what you think and believe.

Bill Abbate Leadership Writer and Editor in ILLUMINATION.

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