17 Quotes & Sayings By Democritus

Democritus was a Greek philosopher who lived in the 5th century BC. He is widely considered to be the "father of modern atomism" and was, along with Leucippus, the most influential figure in the pre-Socratic movement in Ancient Greece. His most famous work is called On Nature, which is a collection of his thoughts on god, humans, and how the universe works. It has been referred to as "the first work of Western materialism".

Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance...
1
Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity. Democritus
Many much-learned men have no intelligence.
2
Many much-learned men have no intelligence. Democritus
No power and no treasure can outweigh the extension of...
3
No power and no treasure can outweigh the extension of our knowledge. Democritus
4
To a wise and good man the whole earth is his fatherland. Democritus
5
By convention sweet and by convention bitter, by convention hot, by convention cold, by convention color; but in reality atoms and void. Democritus
6
Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence. Democritus
7
If your desires are not great, a little will seem much to you; for small appetite makes poverty equivalent to wealth. Democritus
8
Everywhere man blames nature and fate, yet his fate is mostly but the echo of his character and passions, his mistakes and weaknesses. Democritus
9
[I would] rather discover one cause than gain the kingdom of Persia. Democritus
10
Good means not merely not to do wrong, but rather not to desire to do wrong. Democritus
11
If thou sustain injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it Democritus
12
Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss. Democritus
13
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul. Democritus
14
Nothing exists except atoms and empty space everything else is opinion. Democritus
15
Raising children is an uncertain thing success is reached only after a life of battle and worry. Democritus
16
Men should strive to think much and know little. Democritus