Ancient Greek Philosophy, 2nd Edition

9

THE ATOMISTS

LEUCIPPUS

B2 Nothing happens in vain; but everything [happens] for a reason and by necessity (Stobaeus I.4.7)

DEMOCRITUS

B1 Nothing can be created out of nothing, nor can it be destroyed and returned to nothing (Diogenes Laertius IX. 44)

B4 Pleasure and the absence of pleasure is the mark of the beneficial and not beneficial (Stobaeus III.1.46)

B6 One must recognise by the kanon [criterion] that man is cut off from reality (Sextus, Adv. Math. VII.)

B7 This statement is (at least) clear that, really, we know nothing about anything, but each one’s opinion is formed from without. (Ibid.)

B8 Moreover, it will be clear, that in reality, knowing what sort each thing is, will be difficult. (Ibid.)

B9 He destroys the things that appear ...