Protagoras Quotes & Sayings

When it comes to consideration of how to do well in running the city, which must proceed entirely through justice and soundness of mind. — Protagoras

There are intelligible principles inherent in the matter of every phenomenon; because matter is essentially the sum of all the seemings that it has for any and all persons. — Protagoras

Many things prevent knowledge, including the obscurity of the subject and the brevity of human life — Protagoras

No intelligent man believes that anybody ever willingly errs or willingly does base and evil deeds; they are well aware that all who do base and evil things do them unwillingly. — Protagoras

Man is the measure of all things — Protagoras

About the gods I have no means of knowing either that they exist or that they do not exist or what they are to look at. Many things prevent my knowing. Among others, the fact that they are never seen. — Protagoras

Concerning the gods I cannot know either that they exist or that they do not exist, or what form they might have, for there is much to prevent one's knowing: the obscurity of the subject and the shortness of man's life. — Protagoras

Let us hold our discussion together in our own persons, making trial of the truth and of ourselves. — Protagoras

Concerning the gods, I have no means of knowing either that they exist or that they do not exist, nor what sort of form they may have; there are many reasons why knowledge on this subject is not possible, owing to the lack of evidence and the shortness of human life. — Protagoras

As to gods, I have no way of knowing either that they exist or do not exist, or what they are like. — Protagoras

The Athenians are right to accept advice from anyone, since it is incumbent on everyone to share in that sort of excellence, or else there can be no city at all. — Protagoras