Page 139 - Wholeness
P. 139
dominating all the others. The ultimate goal of philosophy is
ethics that
The top form of the world can only be reached by the thinking
about the good. Only the whole will increase the good and
decrease the evil.
Democritus (b. around 460 BCE in Thrace) travelled a lot
throughout the world that was known at that time to acquire a
better knowledge of its cultures. He was the first thinker who
promoted a life of contentment as an ethical goal.
He said that he preferred to discover a causality rather than
become a king of Persia.
There have always been people whose ultimate desire was to
find the truth in order to help humanity to have a better and
prosperous life.
Democritus, a fervent devotee of life, advocated freedom and
autonomy of people who should be doing whatever they think is
important and be content. He strove to rid himself from human
passions and troubles, from illnesses and sad situations, from
commotions of body and soul.
He despised glory and did not want to live in a big city such as
Athens. He had two nicknames, the Wise and the Laughing
Philosopher, his positive and cheerful attitude towards life was
138
