Democritus (c.460–c.370 BCE) was a Greek natural philosopher. He was a central figure in the development of philosophical atomism.
Born in Abdera, Thrace, Democritus is best known, per Aristotle, for promulgating the atomic theory of the universe, which was initiated by his teacher, Leucippus (5th c. BCE.) This theory explained natural phenomena in terms of the arrangement and rearrangement of atoms existing and moving in a void.
Democritus also wrote widely on a variety of subjects—astronomy and other natural sciences, mathematics, literature, epistemology, and ethics. Only a few hundred fragments of his output have survived, mostly from his treatises on ethics. Little Cosmology, a veritable encyclopedia he composed, was lost because its contents peeved those in later generations who decided which of his works should be preserved.
In later times, Democritus became identified as ‘the laughing philosopher,’ most likely because he reckoned that cheerfulness (“euthymiē”) was a worthwhile life pursuit.
British classical scholar Cyril Bailey’s The Greek Atomists and Epicurus (1928) includes a comprehensive study of Democritus.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Democritus
Raising children is an uncertain thing; success is reached only after a life of battle and worry.
—Democritus
Topics: Worry
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.
—Democritus
Topics: Happiness
Whatever a poet writes with enthusiasm and a divine inspiration is very fine. Earliest reference to the madness or divine nspiration of poets.
—Democritus
Nothing is more real than nothing.
—Democritus
Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains
—Democritus
Topics: Pleasure
Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.
—Democritus
Topics: Space, Science, Reality
Nature and education are somewhat similar. The latter transforms man, and in so doing creates a second nature.
—Democritus
Topics: Education
To do all the talking and not be willing to listen is a form of greed.
—Democritus
By desiring little, a poor man makes himself rich.
—Democritus
Topics: Wealth
Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion.
—Democritus
Topics: Science, Space, Reality
One great, difference between a wise man and a fool is, the former only wishes for what he may possibly obtain; the latter desires impossibilities.
—Democritus
Topics: Desires
Life unexamined, is not worth living.
—Democritus
Topics: Life
Everything existing in the universe is the fruit of chance and necessity
—Democritus
Topics: Necessity
If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.
—Democritus
Topics: Justice
It is greed to do all the talking but not to want to listen at all.
—Democritus
Topics: Communication, Greed
Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.
—Democritus
Topics: Loss, Honesty, Hope, Deception/Lying
The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.
—Democritus
Topics: Crime
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Anaxagoras Greek Philosopher
Protagoras Ancient Greek Philosopher
Xenocrates Greek Philosopher, Scientist
Heraclitus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Thales of Miletus Greek Philosopher, Mathematician
Aristotle Ancient Greek Philosopher
Euclid Greek Mathematician
Anacharsis Scythian Prince
Pythagoras Greek Philosopher
Hypatia of Alexandria Greek Philosopher, Mathematician