"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."

Diogenes Laërtius Philosophy See all quotes by Diogenes Laërtius →

React to this quote

More by Diogenes Laërtius

See all

“Wealth is the sinews of affairs.”

“The question was put to him, what hope is; and his answer was, "The dream of a waking man.”

“Bion used to say that the way to the shades below was easy; he could go there with his eyes shut.”

“It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.”

“Apollodorus says, "If any one were to take away from the books of Chrysippus all the passages which he quotes from other authors, his paper would be left empty.”

“Socrates said, "Those who want fewest things are nearest to the gods.”

Resonant Thoughts

"Enquire: 'Who am I?' and you will find the answer. Look at a tree: from one seed arises a huge tree; from it comes numerous seeds, each one of which in its turn grows into a tree. No two fruits are al…"

— Sri Anandamoyi Ma

#life

"It's often claimed that many people in the West are converting to Islam, and it's true that some are, but it's also true that many Muslims in the West are leaving Islam, but you don't hear so much abo…"

— Pat Condell

Literature1949

#freedom

"My passions drive me to the typewriter every day of my life, and they have driven me there since I was twelve. So I never have to worry about schedules. Some new thing is always exploding in me, and i…"

— Ray Bradbury

Literature1920–2012

#life