Thales

By Miguel Santiago

Thales, hailed as one of the Seven Sages of ancient Greece was born in Miletus around 624 BCE. He is often regarded as the father of Western philosophy, as he was the first philosopher known to have sought explanations for natural phenomena through rational thinking rather than relying on myths or supernatural beliefs.

Although few written records remain of Thales’ life and teachings, his ideas and contributions left a lasting impact. He is primarily known for his work in mathematics and astronomy. Thales is credited with accurately predicting a solar eclipse in 585 BCE, a remarkable feat considering the limited knowledge of celestial movements at that time.

Thales’ philosophical stance focused on seeking the fundamental substance or principle from which all things arise. He proposed that this primary element was water, suggesting that water was the essence of all matter. This concept laid the groundwork for later theories on the nature of reality and the material world.

Beyond his philosophical pursuits, Thales also made tangible contributions to practical knowledge. He applied his understanding of geometry and mathematics to solve real-world problems. He is said to have predicted the occurrence of a bountiful olive harvest, allowing him to secure exclusive rights to olive presses and accumulate great wealth.

Thales possessed a keen intellect, and his philosophy and ideas inspired future generations of philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians. His emphasis on…