Color exists by convention, sweet by convention, bitter by convention; in reality there are only atoms and void.

nomoi [nomos] chroia, nomoi glyky, nomoi pikron, eteei de atoma kai kenon.

Democritus

Philosophers

Democritus

Born around 460 BCE in Abdera, Thrace, Democritus was an ancient Greek natural philosopher who, together with his teacher Leucippus, proposed that the fundamental constituents of reality are 'atoms' (indivisible particles) and 'void' (empty space). Known as 'the laughing philosopher,' his ethical vision locating human happiness in euthymia (tranquility of mind) was carried forward by Epicurus.

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Source: Diels-Kranz, Die Fragmente der Vorsokratiker, B125Verified

Democritus's Other Quotes

Tranquility arises for human beings from moderation in enjoyment and a balanced life.

He who would be tranquil should not undertake too many things, either private or public.

For those who want more, time is never enough.

Courage begins the difficult deed, but fortune governs its outcome.

Related Quotes

For thinking and Being are the same.

-- Parmenides

You must learn all things: both the steadfast heart of well-rounded Truth and the opinions of mortals, in which there is no true trust.

-- Parmenides

Imagine prisoners chained underground since childhood, seeing only shadows on a wall and taking them for reality.

-- Plato

I know that I know nothing.

-- Socrates

Those who understand that things arise dependently know them to be empty.

-- Nagarjuna

The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

-- Laozi