Thales Quotes & Sayings

The past is certain, the future obscure. — Thales

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

If there is a change, there must be some thing that changes, yet does not change — Thales

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

Take Time by the forelock. — Thales

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. — Thales

Suretyship (Dogma) is the precursor of ruin. — Thales

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

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. — Thales

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

God is the most ancient of all things, for he had no birth. — Thales

Intellect is the swiftest of things, for it runs through everything. — Thales

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

As brightness is to rustiness, so labor excelleth idleness. — Thales

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. — Thales

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

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

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. — Thales

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

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

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

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

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. — Thales

Necessity is the strongest of things, for it rules everything. — Thales

Hope is the most universal of human possessions. — Thales

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

Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing. — Thales

The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself. — Thales