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    • Democritus

    Wikipedia

    Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    Democritus was an ancient Greek philosopher known for his formulation of an atomic theory of the universe. Despite his extensive writings, none of his original work has survived, and he was known as the ‘laughing philosopher’ for his emphasis on the value of cheerfulness.

    Table of Contents

    Occupation

    art historian

    mathematician

    philosopher

    About the Democritus

    Democrituswas an Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher from Abdera, primarily remembered today for his formulation of an atomic theory of the universe. Democritus wrote extensively on a wide variety of topics.

    None of Democritus’ original work has survived, except through second-hand references. Many of these references come from Aristotle, who viewed him as an important rival in the field of natural philosophy. He was known in antiquity as the ‘laughing philosopher’ because of his emphasis on the value of cheerfulness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Democritus was an ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher from Abdera, primarily remembered for his formulation of an atomic theory of the universe.

    Democritus proposed an atomic theory of the universe, where all matter is composed of indivisible and indestructible particles called atoms.

    Democritus was known in antiquity as the ‘laughing philosopher’ because of his emphasis on the value of cheerfulness.

    None of Democritus’ original work has survived, except through second-hand references, many of which come from Aristotle.

    Democritus wrote extensively on a wide variety of topics, though the specifics of his writings are not well-known since his original works have not survived.

    Aristotle viewed Democritus as an important rival in the field of natural philosophy.

    Democritus’ name meant ,chosen of the people, in Greek.

    18 Quotes by Democritus

    1. 1.

      Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    2. 2.

      Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    3. 3.

      Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    4. 4.

      The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    5. 5.

      Good means not merely not to do wrong, but rather not to desire to do wrong.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    6. 6.

      If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    7. 7.

      Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    8. 8.

      Men should strive to think much and know little.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    9. 9.

      By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    10. 10.

      It is better to destroy one’s own errors than those of others.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    11. 11.

      Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    12. 12.

      I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    13. 13.

      Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    14. 14.

      It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    15. 15.

      It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    16. 16.

      Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    17. 17.

      Raising children is an uncertain thing; success is reached only after a life of battle and worry.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)

    18. 18.

      Now as of old the gods give men all good things, excepting only those that are baneful and injurious and useless. These, now as of old, are not gifts of the gods: men stumble into them themselves because of their own blindness and folly.

      Democritus

      Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)