{"id":1445,"date":"2025-05-02T18:03:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T21:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mensagensqueinspiram.com.br\/?p=1445"},"modified":"2025-04-25T17:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T20:56:00","slug":"phrases-by-thales-of-mileto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mensagensqueinspiram.com.br\/en\/frases-de-tales-de-mileto\/","title":{"rendered":"Quotes from Thales of Miletus: The First Philosopher Who Changed the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phrases by Thales of Miletus<\/strong> that have spanned millennia continue to fascinate curious minds to this day. Considered the first philosopher<\/a> of Western history, Thales was born in Miletus (present-day Turkey) around 624 BC and died around 546 BC, living during the pre-Socratic period of Ancient Greece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This revolutionary thinker abandoned mythological explanations of the world to seek rational answers about the nature of the universe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece, he was not only an important philosopher, but also a mathematician, astronomer and statesman whose legacy lives on through his profound reflections on the cosmos and human existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will explore the wisdom<\/a> of this great thinker and how his ideas remain relevant even 2,600 years after his death. Get ready for an intellectual journey to the origins of Western philosophical thought!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eternal Wisdom: Inspirational Quotes from Thales of Miletus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thales of Miletus<\/strong> left no writings of his own that have survived to the present day. His ideas and phrases have come down to us mainly through quotations and references from later philosophers such as Aristotle<\/a>, Diogenes Laertius and Plutarch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a selection of the most significant phrases attributed to this pioneering thinker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philosophical quotes by Thales of Miletus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sentence<\/th>Context\/Reference<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
\u201cWater is the beginning of all things.\u201d<\/td>Quoted by Aristotle in \u201cMetaphysics\u201d, 4th century BC.<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe hardest thing is to know yourself.\u201d<\/td>Recorded by Diogenes Laertius in \u201cLives and Doctrines of the Illustrious Philosophers\u201d, 3rd century<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe easiest thing is to give advice.\u201d<\/td>A collection of maxims from the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNecessity is strong, for it dominates all things.\u201d<\/td>Preserved by later writers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThere is no difference between living and dying.\u201d<\/td>When asked why he didn't die then, he replied: \u201cPrecisely because there is no difference.\u201d (Aristotle)<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe mind is fast, because it runs through everything.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by ancient commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe most universal thing is space, because it contains all things.\u201d<\/td>Quoted in comments on cosmology<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe oldest of beings is God, because he is ungenerated.\u201d<\/td>Preserved by Di\u00f3genes La\u00e9rcio<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe most beautiful thing is the world, because it is the work of God.\u201d<\/td>A collection of maxims from the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHope is the only good common to all men.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by writers from Hellenistic times<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cKnow yourself and you will know the universe and the gods.\u201d<\/td>Often also attributed to other ancient philosophers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cTime is the wisest because it discovers everything.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cMany words do not indicate a wise mind.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHappy is the body that is healthy and the soul that is wise.\u201d<\/td>Quoted in texts on ancient ethics<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cWhat is divine? That which has neither beginning nor end.\u201d<\/td>Reported by later commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNot even your thoughts are hidden from the gods.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of Greek wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cA righteous life is more pleasant than a life of pleasure.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by moralistic writers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cIt's hard to know the man.\u201d<\/td>Fragment quoted by Diogenes Laertius<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cIdleness is the brother of freedom.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in collections of maxims<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cDon't do to others what you don't want them to do to you.\u201d<\/td>A version of the ethical principle found in various cultures<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cWealth without virtue is an ornament for the house, but it doesn't bring happiness.\u201d<\/td>Comments on ethics attributed to Thales<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cAvoid doing what you censor in others.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHe who promises much, delivers little.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNot everyone who seems to be a friend is one, and not everyone who doesn't seem to be one ceases to be one.\u201d<\/td>On friendship, preserved by commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cLife without research is not worth living.\u201d<\/td>Also attributed to Socrates later<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cDon't be ashamed to learn more.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cTrue good consists in not doing evil.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in texts on ethics<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe sweetest thing is to get what you want.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by later writers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe world is full of gods.\u201d<\/td>Quoted by Aristotle in \u201cDe Anima\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cInanimate things also have souls.\u201d<\/td>Aristotle's interpretation of Thales' thought<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cLies are only one step away from slander.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in collections of old maxims<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cExcess in everything is harmful.\u201d<\/td>Principle of balance common among the Greeks<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHe who hopes, ruins himself.\u201d<\/td>The Seven Wise Men's maxims on financial prudence<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cExperience is the mother of wisdom.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by later commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHe knows when the time is right.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cBefore you speak, learn to listen.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe wise man is not the one who gives the right answers, but the one who asks the right questions.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by late commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cAll men are equal before the gods.\u201d<\/td>Interpretation of his thought by later philosophers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cFriendship is a soul that inhabits two bodies.\u201d<\/td>Also attributed to Aristotle later<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe most valuable thing is virtue, because it can't be stolen.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNothing is older than God, because he has always existed.\u201d<\/td>Preserved by Di\u00f3genes La\u00e9rcio<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cWater nourishes, but fire destroys.\u201d<\/td>Comment on his theory of the elements<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe world is beautiful because it is ordered.\u201d<\/td>Interpretation of his cosmological thinking<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHe who desires much suffers much.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cWisdom consists of three things: knowledge, experience and moderation.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by later writers<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe strongest thing is necessity, because it conquers all.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cDon't try to be rich, but happy.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in texts on ancient ethics<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cA wise man carries his wealth within him.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by later commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNature doesn't jump.\u201d<\/td>Interpretation of his naturalistic thinking<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cRemember that you are mortal.\u201d<\/td>Common maxim among the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe fastest thing is thought, because it runs through the universe.\u201d<\/td>Quoted in commentaries on his philosophy<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe real homeland is where you live well.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cOne word at the right time is worth a thousand at the wrong time.\u201d<\/td>Maxims about prudence in speech<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cHe who does not control his passions is their slave.\u201d<\/td>Attributed by later ethical commentators<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cKnow the visible things in order to understand the invisible ones.\u201d<\/td>Interpretation of his philosophical method<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe truly wise learn something new every day.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in anthologies of ancient wisdom<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe cosmos is governed by laws, not whims.\u201d<\/td>Interpretation of his naturalistic view of the world<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cNature loves to hide.\u201d<\/td>Also attributed to Heraclitus later<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cIt's not our possessions, but our thoughts that determine our happiness.\u201d<\/td>Preserved in texts on ancient ethics<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe greatest power is self-control.\u201d<\/td>Maxims of the Seven Sages<\/td><\/tr>
\u201cThe universe is intelligible through reason.\u201d<\/td>Fundamental principle of his naturalist philosophy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cThales was the first to devote himself to the study of nature. He believed that water was the beginning of all things, that the Earth floated on water, and that everything was filled with gods or spirits.\u201d - Aristotle, in Metaphysics.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThales\u201d wisdom lay in his search for natural explanations for phenomena that had previously been attributed to the gods. He inaugurated a new way of thinking that would become the basis of Western philosophy and science.\" - Werner Jaeger, historian.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Phrases<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The phrases by Thales of Miletus<\/strong> represent the dawn of rational and philosophical thought in the West. By seeking natural explanations for phenomena previously attributed to the gods, Thales paved the way for a new way of understanding the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His reflections on ethics, knowledge and nature remain relevant, showing that the search for wisdom is a timeless journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The depth of his thought, expressed through concise and powerful maxims, continues to inspire us to question, explore and seek true knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thales reminds us that philosophy is not just an academic exercise, but a way of life based on the search for wisdom and understanding of ourselves and the world around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Were you inspired by Thales of Miletus<\/strong>? Continue your philosophical journey by visiting our blog Messages That Inspire<\/a> to discover more profound thoughts from great philosophers and thinkers throughout history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To deepen your knowledge of Thales of Miletus, we recommend consulting his Wikipedia page in Portuguese<\/a>, where you will find additional information about his life and contributions to philosophy and science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Question<\/th>Answer<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Who was Thales of Miletus?<\/td>Thales of Miletus was a Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer who lived between 624-546 BC, considered the first philosopher of the Western tradition and one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece.<\/td><\/tr>
Why is Thales considered the first philosopher?<\/td>Because he was the first known thinker to seek natural and rational explanations for phenomena in the world, abandoning mythological and religious interpretations.<\/td><\/tr>
What was Thales' main theory?<\/td>Thales believed that water was the fundamental principle (arch\u00e9) of all things, being the primordial element from which everything originated.<\/td><\/tr>
Did Thales leave any written works?<\/td>There is no evidence that Thales left any written works. His thought has come down to us through quotations and references from later philosophers, mainly Aristotle.<\/td><\/tr>
What were Thales' contributions to mathematics?<\/td>Thales is credited with several geometric theorems, including measuring the height of Egypt's pyramids using shadows and the theorem that bears his name about angles inscribed in circles.<\/td><\/tr>
How did Thales predict a solar eclipse?<\/td>It is believed that Thales used astronomical knowledge learned from the Babylonians to predict the solar eclipse of May 28, 585 BC, although the exact methods remain speculative.<\/td><\/tr>
Did Thales believe in gods?<\/td>Thales had a naturalistic view of the world, but according to Aristotle, he believed that \u201ceverything is full of gods\u201d, perhaps suggesting a pantheistic or hylozoistic view of nature.<\/td><\/tr>
What is Thales' most important legacy?<\/td>His greatest legacy was to initiate the tradition of rational and scientific thought, seeking explanations based on the observation of nature rather than myths, thus laying the foundations for the development of Western philosophy and science.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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