I'm sitting on my Bangkok balcony reading this wonderful piece. The Sun's rays glisten on the spire of Wat Arun - the Temple of the Dawn - and boats ply the waters of the Chao Phrya. Bliss. We have so much to learn from the 'ancients'. It would have been wonderful to engage in conversation with Thales et al. I wonder what Thales would make of his homeland and the Western world today?
I wish that I had known about Thales when I visited Miletus back in the 70s, as it would have enriched the experience.
As we ourselves are mostly composed of water, including our brains, he was somewhat on the right track.
I haven't been to Miletus! Is it nice? Would you recommend it?
They say if you want to read philosophy, start with the Greeks.
Now we know where to start with the Greeks.
I highly recommend Robin Waterfield's book on the Pre-Socratics. An excellent read and a fantastic introduction!
Brilliant.
I learned much from this piece.
Thank You!
I learned about Thales from Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe, describing his mathematical developments and genius.
Yes! Was just about to tell the person who sent me the post about the Nero Wolfe link; the bad guy was a math teacher, yes?
I also believe Thales is credited with saying "Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light. "
I'm sitting on my Bangkok balcony reading this wonderful piece. The Sun's rays glisten on the spire of Wat Arun - the Temple of the Dawn - and boats ply the waters of the Chao Phrya. Bliss. We have so much to learn from the 'ancients'. It would have been wonderful to engage in conversation with Thales et al. I wonder what Thales would make of his homeland and the Western world today?
Sounds like a perfect setting to engage in the pursuit of wisdom! And with a view of Wat Arun - fantastic!
Thanks for sharing this! I've mentioned Thales in some of my own work, and I'll be linking back to this wherever his name comes up.
What classifies Thales from Miletus as a Greek Thinker even though he was born in modern day Turkey? Any similarities with other thinkers?