Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.
Meaning of the quote
You shouldn't trust everyone, but you should trust people who are honest and reliable. Trusting everyone is foolish, but trusting good people shows wisdom and good judgment.
About Democritus
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.
More quotes from Democritus
Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Good means not merely not to do wrong, but rather not to desire to do wrong.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Men should strive to think much and know little.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
It is better to destroy one’s own errors than those of others.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
It is godlike ever to think on something beautiful and on something new.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
Raising children is an uncertain thing; success is reached only after a life of battle and worry.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)
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.
Greek philosopher (c. 460-c. 370 BC)