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Democritus Biography and Quotes

Democritus Biography and Quotes

Birth: 460 B.C.
Commemoration: 370 B.C.
Nationality: Greek

90

Years Old

Famously Known For

Democritus is renowned for developing the atomic theory, which explains how tiny particles in motion bombard each other. Other things that he is remembered for include; discovering that the volume of a given cone is one-third the volume of a cylinder that has the same height and base; his argument that the universe is entirely managed by natural and mechanical laws but not gods. 

Early Life

Democritus was born to a wealthy family in the city of Abdera. Historians describe Democritus as the laughing philosopher because of his cheerful and tenacious personality. Upon the death of his father, Democritus used the inheritance to travel to distant nations while educating himself.

As a philosopher, the people from his country held him with so much esteem because he had more than once predicted things that would happen, and they came to pass. 

Career

Democritus was a philosopher and together with his mentor Leucippus, they developed the atomic theory. Historians however claim that it’s difficult to divide his works from those of his friend and mentor, Leucippus because their works are mentioned together in most texts.   

Democritus is also featured as one of the pioneers in mathematics, and geometry was his specialization. He was among the first people to observe that both a pyramid and a cone with the same base and height have a volume equaling one-third of a dimensionally similar cylinder or prism. It is however important to note that the knowledge on Democritus in mathematics is only learned from the writings of other people since most of his work did not survive past the middle ages. 

Death

Once Democritus became so old, he decided to lead a humble life. He however continued to teach those individuals that were still interested to learn from him. Democritus died out of old age in his home. 

Quotes by Democritus


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