Democritus Quotes - Page 2

We think there is color, we think there is sweet, we think there is bitter, but in reality there are atoms and a void.

The first principles of the universe are atoms and empty space; everything else is merely thought to exist.

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

Happiness does not reside in strength or money; it lies in rightness and many-sidedness.

Immoderate desire is the mark of a child, not a man.

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

The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.

The wise man’s home is the universe.

You can tell the man who rings true from the man who rings false, not by his deeds alone, but also by his desires.

Many much-learned men have no intelligence.

Soul and intellect are just the same things.

The word is the shadow of the deed.

Envy creates the beginning of strife.

Some men are masters of cities, but are enslaved to women.

Reason is often a more powerful persuader than gold.

Man is a universe in little [Microcosm].

Men should strive to think much and know little.

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

The brave man is not only he who overcomes the enemy, but he who is stronger than pleasures. Some men are masters of cities, but are enslaved to women.

Poverty in a democracy is as much to be preferred to what is called prosperity under despots, as freedom is to slavery.

Men will cease to be fools only when they cease to be men.

The person who can laugh with life has developed deep roots with confidence and faith-faith in oneself, in people and in the world, as contrasted to negative ideas with distrust and discouragement.

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

Virtue isn't not wronging others but not wishing to wrong others.

Magnanimity consists in enduring tactlessness with mildness.