A compilation of the key teachings of the ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher and sage, Thales of Miletus (c 625-545). Adapted from the ancient sources.

1. c. 625 – 545 BC
Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, astronomer, statesman, and sage
THE WISDOM OF THALES OF MILETUS

2. The first principle
is water.

4. God is the oldest
for he is ungenerated.
The world is the most beautiful
for it is god’s making.

5. The world has a soul
and is full of spirits.
Souls are immortal;
everything is full of souls.

6. Mind is the swiftest
for it runs through all.
Necessity is the strongest
for it controls all.

7. Time is the wisest
for it discovers all.
Space is the greatest
for it includes all.

8. To know yourself is difficult.
To give advice is easy.
Avoid doing the things
you blame others for doing.

9. Seek beauty in your actions
not your appearance.
Happiness is a healthy body,
a well-stocked soul,
and a cultivated nature.

10. The use of many words is not
evidence of intelligence:
instead find one wise thing,
and choose one good thing;
this is the way to stop people’s
endless babbling.

12. Text adapted from:
• Aristotle – Metaphysics & On the Soul
• Diogenes Laertius
– Lives of the Philosophers
As presented in:
• Jonathan Barnes
– Early Greek Philosophy
Compiled by Jason Beale, 2019