Demócrito

The first principles of the universe are atoms and empty space. . . . The atoms are unlimited in size and number, and they are borne along in the whole universe in a vortex, and thereby generate all composite things—fire, water, air, earth. For even these are conglomerations of given atoms.

If you would know contentment, let your deeds be few.

Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.

More men have become great through practice than by nature.

Tis hard to fight with anger, but the prudent man keeps it under control.

The pride of youth is in strength and beauty; the pride of old age is in discretion.

Word is a shadow of a deed.

By convention there is colour, by convention sweetness, by convention bitterness, but in reality there are atoms and space.

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

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

Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.

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

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

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

Men should strive to think much and know little.

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

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

By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.

Our sins are more easily remembered than our good deeds.

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

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

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

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

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

Demócrito

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