Biography of World Big Thinker

Philosopher Democritus :

Full Name: Democritus of Abdera

Birth place: Abdera, Thrace (present-day Abdera, Greece)

Birth Date: Circa 460 BCE

Death Date: Circa 370 BCE

Country of Origin: Ancient Greece

Early Life :

Democritus was born in Abdera, a city in ancient Thrace, which is now part of modern-day Greece. He came from a wealthy and influential family. Democritus is often referred to as the "Laughing Philosopher" due to his cheerful disposition and sense of humor, which contrasted with the somber demeanor of his contemporary, Heraclitus, who was known as the "Weeping Philosopher."

Democritus received an extensive education, which included mathematics, geometry, music, and philosophy. He is said to have traveled widely in his youth, visiting various schools of thought across the ancient world, including Egypt and Persia. These travels greatly influenced his philosophical development.

Personal Life:

Democritus was known for his ascetic lifestyle. He lived a simple and modest life, distancing himself from worldly pleasures and material possessions. He believed that true happiness could be found through wisdom and knowledge rather than material wealth.

Democritus was also a prolific writer and scholar, devoting his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the development of his philosophical ideas. He is often associated with the development of atomism, a theory of the physical world that posits that everything is composed of indivisible particles called atoms.

Written Books:

Democritus wrote numerous works, but unfortunately, only a few fragments of his writings have survived to the present day. Some of his notable works and ideas are :

"On Nature" (Peri Physeos): This was a comprehensive work in which Democritus discussed his atomistic philosophy, cosmology, and the nature of reality. Unfortunately, only fragments of this work remain.

"The Great World-Ordering": In this work, Democritus explored the structure of the cosmos and the motion of celestial bodies.

"Cosmographia": This work delved into the geography and natural history of various regions.

Legacy:

Democritus made significant contributions to the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and natural philosophy. His most enduring legacy is his development of atomism, which laid the foundation for modern atomic theory. His ideas influenced later philosophers such as Epicurus and Lucretius, who expanded upon and refined his atomic theory.

Democritus's emphasis on the role of reason and knowledge in achieving happiness also left a lasting impact on the development of ethical and philosophical thought.

Death: Democritus is believed to have lived for over 90 years and passed away around 370 BCE in his hometown of Abdera, Greece. His exact date of death is not known with certainty, and his final resting place remains a subject of historical speculation. Despite the limited survival of his works, Democritus's ideas have continued to shape the course of Western philosophy and science through the centuries