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

Meaning of the quote

This quote by the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus means that it is a special, almost divine quality to always be thinking about things that are beautiful and things that are new or different. When we use our minds to explore and discover new ideas or appreciate the beauty around us, we are doing something remarkable and important, just like the gods.

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 about the author

More quotes from Democritus

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

Democritus

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

Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds.

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.

Democritus

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

Men should strive to think much and know little.

Democritus

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

By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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

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

Democritus

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.

Democritus

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

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)

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)