Ideas from 'comedies (frags)' by Epicharmus [470 BCE], by Theme Structure

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9. Objects / C. Structure of Objects / 6. Constitution of an Object
Additional or removal of any part changes a thing, so people are never the same person
                        Full Idea: If you add or take away a pebble, the same number does not remain. If you add to a length or cut off from it, the former measure does not remain. So human beings grow or waste away. Both you and I were, and shall be, other men.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B02), quoted by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 03.12
                        A reaction: [The original is in dialogue form from a play. The context is a joke about not paying a debt.] Note the early date for this metaphysical puzzle. My new favourite reply is Chrysippus's Idea 16059; identity actually requires change.
13. Knowledge Criteria / E. Relativism / 1. Relativism
A dog seems handsome to another a dog, and even a pig to another pig
                        Full Idea: Dog seems very handsome to dog, and ox to ox, and donkey very handsome to donkey, and even pig to pig.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B05), quoted by (who?) - where?
22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / f. Dangers of pleasure
Pleasures are like pirates - if you are caught they drown you in a sea of pleasures
                        Full Idea: Pleasures for mortals are like impious pirates, for the man who is caught by pleasures is immediately drowned in a sea of them.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B44), quoted by (who?) - where?
                        A reaction: Not all slopes are slippery. Plenty of people hold themselves to strict rules about alcohol or gambling. People have occasional treats.
23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism
Hands wash hands; give that you may get
                        Full Idea: The hand washes the hand; give something and you may get something.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B30), quoted by (who?) - where?
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice
Against a villain, villainy is not a useless weapon
                        Full Idea: Against a villain, villainy is not a useless weapon.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B32), quoted by (who?) - where?
28. God / A. Divine Nature / 3. Divine Perfections
God knows everything, and nothing is impossible for him
                        Full Idea: Nothing escapes the divine, this you must realise. God himself is our overseer, and nothing is impossible for him.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B23), quoted by (who?) - where?
29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 3. Problem of Evil / c. Human Error
Human logos is an aspect of divine logos, and is sufficient for successful living
                        Full Idea: Man has calculation, but there is also the divine logos. But human logos is sprung from the divine logos, and it brings to each man his means of life, and his maintenance.
                        From: Epicharmus (comedies (frags) [c.470 BCE], B57), quoted by (who?) - where?