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This is a study and commentary on the Presocratic philosophers through a selection of texts in their original language, Greek. The Presocratic philosophers were some of the earliest thinkers in Western philosophy, and their ideas had a profound impact on the development of Western thought. By studying their texts in the original Greek, we can gain a deeper understanding of their ideas and the context in which they were written.

The selection of texts includes works by some of the most important Presocratic philosophers, such as Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Empedocles. Each text is accompanied by a detailed commentary that explains the key concepts and arguments, as well as providing historical and cultural context.

This study is not only useful for students of philosophy, but also for anyone interested in the history of Western thought. By reading these texts and commentaries, we can gain a better understanding of the roots of our own intellectual traditions and the ways in which they have evolved over time.

This book simply explains how the ancient philosophers are studied, and how their thought traces are analyzed despite the fact that many of them left no written works, or that most of their texts were lost.

Not only is it a book suitable for scholars - since it presents the quotes in their original language and translated - but it also allows a non-expert, by reading even some of its chapters, to understand the way of thinking of the pre-Socratic philosopher being studied (in my case, Thales of Miletus) and also the way of working of the historians of philosophy.

The study of ancient philosophers is a complex task, as much of their work has been lost or destroyed over time. However, through careful analysis of the remaining fragments and references, scholars are able to piece together a picture of their ideas and contributions.

This book provides a valuable resource for both scholars and non-experts alike, offering a clear and accessible introduction to the world of ancient philosophy.

This book is truly the best reader for those individuals who have a keen interest in delving into the world of the pre-Socratic philosophers.

Although certain parts of the text are presented in Ancient Greek, fear not as there are accurate translations conveniently provided.

This in-depth exploration of the very beginning of western philosophy is an absolute must for any serious student of Philosophy or Classics.

It offers a unique opportunity to gain a profound understanding of the foundational ideas and thinkers that have shaped the course of western philosophical thought.

Whether you are a budding philosopher or a lover of classical studies, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the rich intellectual heritage that has come before us.

So, don't miss out on this remarkable resource and embark on a journey of discovery into the fascinating world of the pre-Socratic philosophers.

This work supplies the reader with the writings of the pre-Socratic philosophers. It presents both the original Greek and an English translation.

There is detailed commentary on the fragments and passages. This shows how the different philosophic thoughts fit into each philosopher's system. It also reveals how those thoughts and systems fit into the general development of Greek pre-Socratic thought.

Moreover, the range of these early thinkers is truly impressive. There is not only metaphysics and ethics. But there is also dialectics, logic, the critique of anthropomorphism, paradox, and atomism.

By providing such comprehensive coverage, this work offers a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of pre-Socratic philosophy. It allows readers to engage directly with the original texts and gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and systems that shaped the development of Western philosophy.

Whether one is a student, scholar, or simply someone with an interest in philosophy, this work is sure to provide valuable insights and a fascinating exploration of this important period in the history of thought.

It was okay at the beginning.

The majority of the book consisted of Greek/Latin fragments, and each fragment was accompanied by its English translation.

After that, there were a lot of textual criticism and interpretations made by scholars and other experts.

Finally, there were brief comments about the text.

However, as time went on, it became very unreadable.

The continuous stream of fragments, translations, and complex analyses made it difficult for the reader to follow.

The book seemed to lack a clear narrative or overarching theme to tie everything together.

As a result, the reading experience became increasingly frustrating and tiresome.

It would have been beneficial if the author had presented the material in a more organized and accessible way.

Perhaps by providing more context and background information, or by structuring the book in a more logical sequence.

Overall, while the content of the book may have been valuable, its presentation left much to be desired.

Pretty much everything important that we have of the writings of the presocratic philosophers is neatly and intelligently organized.

This compilation serves as an excellent resource for those interested in delving into the profound thoughts and ideas of these early thinkers.

The presocratic philosophers were the pioneers who laid the foundation for Western philosophy. Their writings涵盖了 a wide range of topics, including the nature of the universe, the origin of life, and the fundamental principles that govern existence.

By having their works organized in such a meticulous manner, it becomes easier for scholars and enthusiasts alike to study and understand their contributions.

This resource not only provides access to the original texts but also offers valuable insights and commentaries that help to clarify and contextualize the ideas presented.

It is truly a treasure trove for anyone seeking to explore the rich history of philosophy and gain a deeper understanding of the human quest for knowledge and truth.

This book serves as a crucial point of reference for the subject matter of the Presocratic Philosophers.

It comprehensively mentions almost every single ancient text related to these Philosophers, accompanied by a decent and insightful commentary.

The value of this book lies in its ability to bring together all those ancient writings within one volume.

This makes it an invaluable resource for researchers who are delving into the study of the Presocratic Philosophers.

They can easily access and refer to a wide range of relevant ancient texts without having to search through multiple sources.

The commentary provided also helps to enhance the understanding of these ancient texts, providing additional context and analysis.

In conclusion, this book is an essential tool for anyone interested in the Presocratic Philosophers and is highly recommended for researchers in the field.

This book is truly an excellent resource for those interested in Pre-Socratic thought.

It offers a wealth of valuable information and insights into the minds of the early Greek philosophers.

One of the most appealing aspects of this book is the way it presents each quote and excerpt.

Not only is the original Greek text provided, but it is also followed by a clear and accurate translation.

This allows readers who may not be fluent in Greek to still understand and appreciate the profound ideas expressed by these ancient thinkers.

The inclusion of the original language adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the study of Pre-Socratic philosophy.

It gives readers the opportunity to see how the words were originally written and to explore the nuances and subtleties of the Greek language.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy and the development of Western thought.

It provides a unique and valuable perspective on the Pre-Socratic period and is sure to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of this important era.

One of my all-time favorite books.

It commences with the earliest Greek philosophers, who bore a closer resemblance to religious mystics rather than what we typically envision as philosophers. The philosophers are presented in a largely linear historical account, and it is truly astonishing to witness the evolution of their complex thoughts.

Moreover, you uncover fascinating historical details. For example, it is highly likely that Pythagoras did not originate the ideas attributed to him. Instead, he was a cult leader who taught, among other peculiar things, that beans should not be consumed as they were considered aristocratic.

Heraclitus, in my opinion, is a significant highlight. I believe he perceived something profoundly true about life and the universe that has, in a sense, been lost. I struggle to explain precisely how, as it is more of a shift in feeling and perception rather than explicit thought. However, reading Heraclitus has undoubtedly transformed me. I feel slightly wiser and more receptive to a certain kind of "truth" than I was previously. He teeters on the border between being a mystic and a philosopher. So, perhaps what I am trying to convey is that reading him inclines one to view certain aspects of the world in a more mystical light. Additionally, some of the anecdotes about him are utterly hilarious.

A Classic!

A classic is something that stands the test of time. It is a work of art, literature, music, or any other form of creative expression that has endured for generations. Classics have a universal appeal and can touch the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life.

One of the reasons why classics are so beloved is that they often explore timeless themes such as love, loss, friendship, and the human condition. These themes are relevant to people of all ages and cultures, and they continue to resonate with us today.

Another characteristic of a classic is its quality. Classics are usually well-written, well-composed, or well-crafted, with attention to detail and a mastery of the medium. They have a certain elegance and beauty that makes them a joy to experience.

In conclusion, a classic is a precious and valuable thing. It is a testament to the creativity and genius of the human spirit, and it has the power to inspire and delight us for centuries to come.

This book is extremely erudite.

It is based on examinations of the fragments of the pre-Socratics that remain, as well as the closest secondary sources. This method (and the author's evident expertise) allows the author to show similarities and differences between the pre-Socratic writers in a way that in turn clarifies both their scientific, ethical, and epistemological positions, where most examinations can only manage to focus on one of these at a time.

This is why I highly recommend the book, but I also want to include a warning: as erudite as it is, and as rational, it is also as boringly written. It will take time to go through it, and even though I can see that I have taken over 50 notes on just under 500 pages, there is a risk that the book will suck the life out of you.

To be direct:

If you are a leadership consultant, philosophy teacher, or intellectual historian - there is plenty of use for you, since people's ways of thinking have not changed that much.

If you are a philosophy student at the university, read it as a complement to Diogenes Laertios: here are the connections that Diogenes thinks are too obvious to write down.

If you are a moral philosopher or politician who is curious about Herakleitos and his ideas, and who needs a complement to the fragments; the author will give you many references to contemporary sources' descriptions of Herakleitos, which in turn will help you interpret him.

If you do not belong to any of the above groups, the cost of the book is so great that it does not pay off in time, despite its substance and its brilliant analyses.

My very first philosophy text was truly an eye-opener.

In it, I discovered that Heraclitus, one of the most renowned ancient philosophers, had a rather unique way of expressing his profound thoughts. He chose to write only in fragments.

These fragments, though seemingly disjointed at first glance, held within them the essence of his philosophical musings. It was as if he was presenting us with a puzzle, challenging us to piece together his ideas and understand the deeper meaning he was trying to convey.

Studying Heraclitus' fragments made me realize that philosophy is not always presented in a neat and orderly manner. Sometimes, it requires us to think outside the box, to look beyond the obvious, and to engage in a more creative and intuitive way of understanding.

His fragmented writing style also forced me to slow down and carefully analyze each word and phrase, as every little detail could potentially hold the key to unlocking a greater truth.

Overall, my encounter with Heraclitus' fragments through that first philosophy text was a fascinating and enriching experience that left a lasting impression on me.