Book 1
1.33
Hermippus in his Lives refers to Thales the story which is told by some of Socrates, namely, that he used to say there were three blessings for which he was grateful to Fortune: first, that I was born a human being and not one of the brutes; next, that I was born a man and not a woman; thirdly, a Greek and not a barbarian.
1.34
It is said that once, when he was taken out of doors by an old woman in order that he might observe the stars, he fell into a ditch, and his cry for help drew from the old woman the retort, How can you expect to know all about the heavens, Thales, when you cannot even see what is just before your feet? Timon too knows him as an astronomer, and praises him in the Silli where he saysFr. 23 Diels.: Thales among the Seven the sage astronomer.
1.34
His writings are said by Lobon of Argos to have run to some two hundred lines. His statue is said to bear this inscriptionAnth. Pal. vii. 83.: Pride of Miletus and Ionian lands, Wisest astronomer, here Thales stands.
1.35
Of songs still sung these verses belong to him: Many words do not declare an understanding heart. Seek one sole wisdom. Choose one sole good. For thou wilt check the tongues of chatterers prating without end.
