Single Idea 1494

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / c. Ultimate substances]

Full Idea

Thales says water is the first principle (which is why he declared the earth is on water); perhaps he concluded this from seeing that all food is moist.

Gist of Idea

Thales said water is the first principle, perhaps from observing that food is moist

Source

report of Thales (fragments/reports [c.585 BCE], A12) by Aristotle - Metaphysics 983b12

Book Reference

'The First Philosophers', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 2000], p.12