Sayings of Thales

Thales of Miletus (c. 624-545 BC) was another of the traditional Seven Sages, especially respected for his insights on the natural sciences, mathematics, and astronomy. 

He is said to have predicted eclipses, measure the height of the pyramids by their shadows, and hypothesized that water is the first principle of all things. 

He advised the Milesians not to join in a military alliance with the Lydians, a restraint which proved to be prudent when Cyrus defeated Croesus, and so Miletus was spared. 

The story is told that, when his mother tried to force him to marry, Thales replied it was too soon, and when she pressed him again later in life, he replied that it was too late. 

Of all things that are, the most ancient is God, for he is uncreated.
The most beautiful is the Universe, for it is God's workmanship.
The greatest is space, for it holds all things.
The swiftest is mind, for it speeds everywhere.
The strongest, necessity, for it masters all.
The wisest, time, for it brings everything to light. 

Thales held there was no difference between life and death. 

"Why then," said one, "do you not die?" 

"Because," said he, "there is no difference." 

To the question which is older, day or night, Thales replied: "Night is the older by one day."

Someone asked Thales whether a man could hide an evil deed from the gods: "No," he replied, "nor yet an evil thought." 

To the adulterer who inquired if he should deny the charge upon oath, Thales replied that perjury was no worse than adultery. 

Being asked what is difficult, Thales replied, "To know oneself." 

"What is easy?" 

"To give advice to another." 

"What is most pleasant?" 

"Success." 

"What is the divine?" 

"That which has neither beginning nor end." 

To the question what was the strangest thing he had ever seen, Thales' answer was, "An aged tyrant." 

"How can one best bear adversity?" 

"If he should see his enemies in worse plight." 

"How shall we lead the best and most righteous life?" 

"By refraining from doing what we blame in others." 

"What man is happy?" 

"He who has a healthy body, a resourceful mind, and a docile nature." 

Thales tells us to remember friends, whether present or absent, and not to pride ourselves upon outward appearance, but to study to be beautiful in character. 

"Shun ill-gotten gains," Thales says. "Let not idle words prejudice you against those who have shared your confidence." 

Whatever provision you have made for your parents, the same must you expect from your children. 

Many words do not declare an understanding heart.
Seek one sole wisdom.
Choose one sole good.
For you will check the tongues of chatterers prating without end.