Thales Quotations

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

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.

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.

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

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.

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

As brightness is to rustiness, so labor excelleth idleness.

Conceal thy domestic ills.

Hope is the most universal of human possessions.

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.

Suretyship (Dogma) is the precursor of ruin.

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

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

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.

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

I did not become a father because I am fond of children.

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

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

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

Take Time by the forelock.

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

Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.

The past is certain, the future obscure.

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

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.