Diogenes Laertius Quotes
Diogenes Laertius was a Greek biographer of philosophers of the third century AD, the author of the Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, the most extensive surviving ancient compilation of philosophical biography and doxography. The ten books treat in succession the schools of Greek philosophy from the seven sages and Thales through Plato, Aristotle, the Cynics, the Stoics, the Skeptics, and the Epicureans, ending with a substantial extract of Epicurus's letters. The quotes below are attributed to Diogenes Laertius, organized by topic.
Diogenes Laertius on Death
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“Thales said there was no difference between life and death. "Why, then," said some one to him, "do not you die?" "Because," said he, "it does make no difference.”
Thales , 9.
Diogenes Laertius on Knowledge
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Attributed to Diogenes Laertius:
“It is no small thing to record the lives of those who shaped the lives of all who came after.”
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Attributed to Diogenes Laertius:
“The wise man knows that what is reported of the wise is itself an exercise in philosophy.”
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Attributed to Diogenes Laertius:
“I have collected what I could; the rest will be the work of those who come after.”
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Attributed to Diogenes Laertius:
“Without biography, doctrine has no body; without doctrine, biography has no soul.”
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“When Thales was asked what was difficult, he said, "To know one’s self." And what was easy, "To advise another.”
Thales , 9. -
“The apophthegm "Know thyself" is his.”
Thales , 13. Compare" "There are two sentences inscribed upon the Delphic oracle, hugely accommodated to the usages of man’s life: 'Know thyself', and 'Nothing too much'; and upon these all other precepts depend", Plutarch , Consolation to Apollonius . -
“Thales , 13. Compare" "There are two sentences inscribed upon the Delphic oracle, hugely accommodated to the usages of man’s life: 'Know thyself', and 'Nothing too much'; and upon these all other precepts depend", Plutarch , Consolation to Apollonius .”
The apophthegm "Know thyself" is his. -
“Writers differ with respect to the apophthegms of the Seven Sages, attributing the same one to various authors.”
Thales , 14. -
“Solon used to say that speech was the image of actions;... that laws were like cobwebs,—for that if any trifling or powerless thing fell into them, they held it fast; while if it were something weightier, it broke through them and was off.”
Solon , 10. -
“As some say, Solon was the author of the apophthegm, "Nothing in excess.”
Solon , 16.
Diogenes Laertius on Time
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“He said that men ought to remember those friends who were absent as well as those who were present.”
Thales , 9.
Diogenes Laertius on Truth
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“Solon gave the following advice: "Consider your honour, as a gentleman, of more weight than an oath. Never tell a lie. Pay attention to matters of importance.”
Solon , 12.
Diogenes Laertius on Virtue
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Attributed to Diogenes Laertius:
“Lives are to be remembered for the doctrines they vindicate, and for the doctrines that vindicate the lives.”
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“Alcæus mentions Aristodemus in these lines:— ’T is money makes the man; and he who ’s none Is counted neither good nor honourable.”
Thales , 8.