Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Roger Kaufman
9 quotes from Democritus - discover nine of his most impressive Quotationsthat have influenced generations and can also inspire you today.
Democritus of Abdera (ca. 460-370 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher, who is best known for his atomic theory of the universe.
Unfortunately, many of his works have been lost, but fragments and reports are about his thoughts have been preserved.
Here are some of the most notable quotes attributed to him:
9 Quotes Democritus | most inspiring wisdom from Democritus
โEverything is change; nothing remains unchanged.โ โ Democritus
โA lot of words don't necessarily mean Wisdom." โ Democritus
โHappiness does not live in possessions or in gold, the feeling of happiness is at home in the soul.โ โ Democritus
The bravest of all remains the one who has his own thoughts thinks." โ Democritus
โIt is easier to argue with a smart person than to agree with a fool.โ โ Democritus
The wisdom is the highest good and the origin of all other goods.โ โ Democritus
The best doctors in the world are: diet, rest and happiness.โ โ Democritus
โHe who learns a lot knows a lot; whoever observes a lot recognizes a lot; Anyone who learns a lot has a lot to tell.โ โ Democritus
โThe bravest are those who maintain their opinions against the opinions of the majority.โ โ Democritus
What else should I know about Democritus?
Democritus of Abdera was an outstanding thinker and is often referred to as the โfather of atomism.โ
Here is some additional information and noteworthy ones Points over him:
- Atomic theory: Democritus is known for his atomic theory. He believed that the universe was made up of tiny, indivisible particles, which he called โatoms.โ This idea was groundbreaking and contradicted many contemporary views on the Nature of matter.
- Materialist: Democritus was a strict materialist. He believed that everything in the universe, including the soul, was made of atoms.
- Epistemology: Regarding knowledge, he believed that our senses often deceive us. Real knowledge can only be achieved through the mind and reason.
- Ethik: Although he is best known for his atomic theory, Democritus also wrote about ethics. He emphasized striving for a balanced life and avoiding extremes.
- Lost work: Unfortunately, most of his writings have been lost. What we do today and Know him comes mainly from secondary sources and fragments.
- influence: Despite the loss of his works, Democritus had a profound influence on later philosophers and scientists. His atomic theory was taken up and further developed by scientists such as John Dalton in modern times.
- Contemporary of Socrates: Democritus lived at the same time as Socrates, but unlike Socrates, whose views and methods were preserved by his students (particularly Plato), Democritus's ideas have largely survived only through later commentators.
- philosophy and science: Democritus' views form a bridge between philosophy and science. He tried to find scientific explanations for the world around him, rather than relying solely on supernatural or theological explanations.
- joke and Humour: It is often said that Democritus was known as the โlaughing philosopherโ because he believed that joy and laughter were important parts of a good life.
The philosophy and theories of Democritus are not only historical Meaning important, but also because they anticipated many modern scientific and philosophical concepts. His influence and ideas provide a fascinating insight into the minds of the ancient Greeks.
FAQ about Democritus
Who was Democritus?
Democritus was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived between 460 and 370 BC. lived. He came from Abdera, a city in Thrace, and is often referred to as the โfather of atomism.โ
What is Democritus best known for?
Democritus is best known for his atomic theory. He postulated that everything in the universe was made up of indivisible units called atoms.
What are the main principles of his atomic theory?
Democritus believed that atoms were unchanging, indivisible and eternal. They move in empty space and can combine to form complex structures and objects.
Did Democritus only write about atoms?
No, although his atomic theory is best known, he also wrote on many other topics, including ethics, epistemology, and cosmology.
Are there many surviving works by Democritus?
Unfortunately, most of his writings have been lost. What we do today and Know him comes mainly from secondary sources and fragments.
What did Democritus think about human knowledge?
He believed that our senses can often deceive us. Real knowledge and understanding can only be achieved through the mind and reason.
How did Democritus influence later philosophers and scientists?
Despite the loss of his primary works, Democritus had a significant influence on subsequent thinkers. His atomic theory was taken up by later philosophers such as Epicurus and modern scientists such as John Dalton.
Why is he sometimes called the โlaughing philosopherโ?
Democritus believed in the importance of joy and laughter in life. He is said to have often laughed and emphasized the positive aspects of life.
Was Democritus a contemporary of Socrates?
Yes, he lived at the same time as Socrates. While Socrates was teaching in Athens, Democritus traveled to many parts of the then known world and gathered knowledge.
Typically, this FAQ provides a brief overview of the life and thought of Democritus.
However, anyone interested in deeper insights into his philosophy should look at further literature and sources on this topic.