Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'The Discourses' and 'fragments/reports'

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2 ideas

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / a. Final purpose
23349 Asses are born to carry human burdens, not as ends in themselves [Epictetus]
     Full Idea: An ass is surely not born as an end in itself? No, but because we had need of a back that is able to carry burdens.
     From: Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 2.08.07)
     A reaction: This is the absurd human exceptionalism which plagues our thinking. It would be somewhat true of animals which are specifically bred for human work, such as large cart horses.
26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 5. Infinite in Nature
1748 Archelaus was the first person to say that the universe is boundless [Archelaus, by Diog. Laertius]
     Full Idea: Archelaus was the first person to say that the universe is boundless.
     From: report of Archelaus (fragments/reports [c.450 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 02.Ar.3