1.
The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.
Thales
Uncovering one's true identity.
2.
What is it that is most beautiful? - The Universe; for it is the work of God. What is most powerful? - Necessity; because it triumphs over all things. What is most difficult? - To know one's self. What is most easy? - To give advice. What method must we take to lead a good life? - To do nothing we would condemn in others. What is necessary to happiness? - A sound body and a contented mind.
Thales
3.
Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.
Thales
Steer clear of actions which you would criticize others for.
4.
Nothing is more active than thought, for it travels over the universe, and nothing is stronger than necessity for all must submit to it.
Thales
'Reflection is more potent than any force, for it traverses the cosmos, and inevitability is mightier than all else for all must yield to it.'
5.
Who is happy? This is a person, who has a healthy body, is dowered with peace of mind and cultivates his talents.
Thales
6.
The past is certain, the future obscure.
Thales
7.
All things are from water and all things are resolved into water.
Thales
8.
We live not, in reality, on the summit of a solid earth but at the bottom of an ocean of air
Thales
9.
If there is neither excessive wealth nor immoderate poverty in a nation, then justice may be said to prevail.
Thales
10.
Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light.
Thales
11.
Hope is the only good that is common to all men; those who have nothing else possess hope still.
Thales
12.
Many words are not proof of the wise man, because the sage only talk when it's needed, and the words are measured and corresponding with the need.
Thales
13.
What man is happy? He who has a healthy body, a resourceful mind, and a docile nature.
Thales
14.
A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.
Thales
15.
Hope is the most universal of human possessions.
Thales
16.
There are three attributes for which I am grateful to Fortune: that I was born, first, human and not animal; second, man and not woman; and third, Greek and not barbarian.
Thales
17.
Suretyship (Dogma) is the precursor of ruin.
Thales
18.
I did not become a father because I am fond of children.
Thales
19.
Take Time by the forelock.
Thales
20.
Placing your stick at the end of the shadow of the pyramid, you made by the sun's rays two triangles, and so proved that the pyramid [height] was to the stick [height] as the shadow of the pyramid to the shadow of the stick.
Thales
21.
Place is the greatest thing, as it contains all things.
Thales
22.
I will be sufficiently rewarded if when telling it to others you will not claim the discovery as your own, but will say it was mine.
Thales
23.
Conceal thy domestic ills.
Thales
24.
As brightness is to rustiness, so labor excelleth idleness.
Thales
25.
[One] who is healthy in body, resourceful in soul and of a readily teachable nature.
Thales