This collection serves as the single greatest starting point for anyone who has a profound interest in philosophy and ancient Greek thought.

It offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse world of ancient Greek philosophy through a compilation of fragments and testimonies.

The introductory essays that accompany these fragments and testimonies play a crucial role in making this a very intelligible read.

They provide valuable context, background information, and analysis, which helps the reader to better understand the significance and meaning of the ancient texts.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student of philosophy, this collection is an essential resource that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of ancient Greek thought.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of the greatest philosophers in history and their contributions to the development of Western philosophy.

As an amateur enthusiast of philosophy, this appears to be a rather good introduction.

If one can overlook their cosmology, it will pose a challenge to correct their errors.

Zeno's paradox, for instance, is expounded and rectified by Aristotle, which might be of great interest if you have a penchant for math.

Placing oneself in the position of the interlocutors in the sophist dialogues can enhance one's arguing ability.

Gradually, your viewpoints regarding metaphysics will commence to be cultivated.

Most significantly, this text furnishes you with a fundamental basis for philosophy.

It equips you with the necessary tools and knowledge to embark on a journey of philosophical exploration, enabling you to think more deeply and critically about various philosophical concepts and issues.

Whether you are interested in ethics, epistemology, or other branches of philosophy, this introduction can serve as a valuable starting point.

It激发 your curiosity and encourages you to further explore the rich and diverse world of philosophy.

The presentation of the philosophy was succinct, perhaps overly so. However, overall the book serves as a good survey of the Presocratics and Sophists.

When it comes to the philosophy itself, some of it is painfully outdated. At times, it can be a bit frustrating to read, considering it is 2500 years old. But on the other hand, some of it left me astounded. The queries and conclusions are still remarkably relevant today.

It's truly amazing how the ideas from such an ancient time can still have such a profound impact. Overall, it was a fascinating read that provided valuable insights into the early development of philosophy.

It made me realize that although the world has changed significantly over the millennia, some of the fundamental questions and concerns of human existence remain the same. This book is definitely worth a read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy or in exploring the roots of our modern way of thinking.

Fascinating and informative, this survey of the presocratics and sophists is truly a gem. I deeply wish I had begun my philosophical journey with this book before delving into Plato and Aristotle. Firstly, Plato and Aristotle often mischaracterize many of these thinkers for their own purposes. Secondly, with the knowledge of the influences of the presocratics and sophists, Plato and Aristotle become much easier to understand in a meaningful way. Moreover, one can clearly see the profound influence these early thinkers had on numerous later philosophers and philosophical systems. The presocratics and sophists are indeed the fundamental building blocks of western philosophy, and I am now firmly convinced of their indispensability.

As this is my very first exploration into the realm of the "first philosophers," I am not in a strong position to assess Waterfield's approach in presenting them to the reader. However, she provides every reason for me to believe that she evaluates each thinker in an academically honest manner. After a brief introduction, the philosophers are given the opportunity to speak for themselves, and each introduction is transparent about translation issues and the different interpretations that exist within the academic community. Waterfield makes clear disclaimers when she imposes her own view on any given philosopher and even challenges the reader in the introduction to interrogate the texts and develop their own theories. In this way, her approach to interpretation seems similar to that of Protagoras: no one interpretation is necessarily 100% correct, but there are undoubtedly better interpretations than others.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in western philosophy. It offers a valuable and enlightening perspective on the early roots of this rich and complex field.

"Of a truth we know nothing, for truth is in a well." - Democritus

This profound statement by Democritus challenges our perception of knowledge and truth. It implies that the true nature of things is often hidden deep within, like a precious gem at the bottom of a well.

We may think we know a great deal, but in reality, our understanding is limited. The world is complex and full of mysteries that elude our comprehension.

Truth is not always straightforward; it can be obscured by our biases, beliefs, and the limitations of our senses. We must constantly strive to dig deeper, to question our assumptions, and to seek the truth with an open mind.

Democritus' words remind us that knowledge is a never-ending journey, and that we should approach it with humility and a sense of wonder. Only by acknowledging our ignorance can we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the truth that lies within.

Magnificent!

This word truly encapsulates the grandeur and splendor that we often encounter in various aspects of life.

Whether it's the magnificent landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, with their majestic mountains, vast plains, and crystal-clear lakes, or the magnificent architecture of ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers that leave us in awe of human ingenuity and creativity.

Magnificent can also describe a person's achievements or a momentous event that has a profound impact.

It is a word that evokes a sense of wonder, admiration, and respect.

When we witness something magnificent, it has the power to inspire us, to make us dream bigger, and to strive for greater things.

It is a reminder of the beauty and potential that exists in the world around us, and it encourages us to explore, discover, and experience all that life has to offer.

So, the next time you encounter something magnificent, take a moment to soak it in, to appreciate its beauty, and to let it inspire you.

For in those magnificent moments, we find the true essence of life.

The dialogues are always fun. They are like a lively dance of ideas, bouncing back and forth between different perspectives. Each word spoken is a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of the speakers' thoughts and feelings.

It's not just about the words themselves, but the way they are delivered, the tone of voice, the expressions on the faces. These elements add depth and nuance to the conversation, making it a truly engaging experience.

And yet, beneath the surface of the fun and games, there is often an elegant treatise on reality. The dialogues may touch on profound topics such as love, loss, happiness, and meaning. They may explore the human condition, our hopes and fears, our dreams and disappointments.

In this way, the dialogues become a mirror, reflecting back to us the complexity and beauty of our own lives. They offer us a chance to see ourselves and others in a new light, and to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Clear and Concise is truly an excellent review of those Philosophers who preceded Plato, especially Socrates.

This general overview of early Greek thinking offers a wealth of valuable insights. It presents a comprehensive and accessible account of the ideas and contributions of these ancient philosophers.

For anyone with an interest in Philosophy, I would not hesitate to recommend this book. It provides a great starting point for understanding the roots of philosophical thought.

Moreover, considering the amount of information it contains, the small cost is well worth it. It is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of early Greek Philosophy.

Overall, Clear and Concise is a highly recommended book that offers a valuable resource for both beginners and more advanced students of Philosophy.

A wonderful resource and guide to Pre-Socratic philosophies awaits you.

Here, all the major thinkers are presented - the Melisians, with their unique perspectives; the Eleatics, who delved deep into the nature of being; the Pluralists, who explored the multiplicity of the world; the Atomists, who hypothesized about the fundamental building blocks of matter; and a healthy dose of the Sophists, with their emphasis on rhetoric and persuasion.

I have learned an abundance from working through these texts. The insights and ideas presented have broadened my understanding of the philosophical landscape during that era. I am certain that as I continue my journey through the classics, I will frequently refer back to this book. It serves as a valuable companion, providing a comprehensive overview and in-depth analysis of Pre-Socratic philosophies.

Whether you are a student of philosophy or simply someone with a curious mind, this resource is sure to engage and enlighten you.

This is the second time I've read most of these philosophers. The first was back in college, when I first started reading philosophy. So reading this was very much like returning to an old friend. And as anyone will tell you, reconnecting with an old friend after years of being apart, I learned new things and understood old ideas in a completely new way.

THE PRESOCRATICS

There is something strangely pure about the curious and conjecturing mind before Aristotle's advent of the scientific method. Claims about the origin of the world and mankind are made without any solid evidence. The origin of the cosmos was a hot topic of the fifth and sixth centuries BCE, and some methods to solving this were deciding which single element was the root of all things ('arche'), or to attempt to eliminate what was simply impossible, in order to arrive at the truth. The debates are rather fascinating, and it's amazing what ideas were actually not far off--astronomy and mathematics find great roots in this era, and the Leucipus' and Democritus' theory of atoms is profoundly valid.

I've always been a fan of Heraclitus and his 'change is constant' mentality. 'It is impossible to step twice into the same river...it scatters and regathers, comes together and dissolves, approaches and departs.'

But the real winning quotes for me in this read (though in the same vein) were

'Listen now to a further point: no mortal thing

Has a beginning, nor does it end in death and obliteration;

There is only a mixing and then a separating of what was mixed,

But by mortal men these practices are named \\"beginnings\\".'

--Empedocles of Acragas

'In reality we know nothing, for the truth is hidden in the abyss.'

--Democritus

THE SOPHISTS

My previous experience with the Sophists was much more limited, and with a negative connotation. I was taught that they were only concerned with charging outrageous amounts for lessons, and thrived on confusing their debate opponents rather than actually making sound logic and good arguments. While this was true for some, there are some pearls of wisdom, and some of the early Sophists like Protagoras and Gorgias seem to me to genuinely want to progress the art of debate and lecturing. One of the main subjects covered by the Sophists was the conflict between 'nomos' and 'physis' ('convention' and 'nature'): is humanity's welfare better or worse by our social norms and laws (convention), or is our natural state better? The debate raises interesting points on both sides, of course. I think Gorgias was my favorite of the bunch; he really invested in the art of winning his audiences with beautiful language and emotional pull, which is vastly important. And Prodicus of Ceos told a story of Heracles and his choice between Vice and Virtue which was very compelling.

Obviously, this type of reading is for a niche market, and very heavy on the academic side. But it was always enjoyable for me to read, and I am once again reminded of how I was born in the wrong century.

This exploration of the Presocratics and Sophists has been a journey through the early days of philosophical thought. The Presocratics, with their bold speculations about the origin of the universe and the nature of things, laid the foundation for much of the philosophical inquiry that followed. Their ideas, though sometimes lacking in empirical evidence, were often remarkably prescient. Heraclitus' concept of change being constant, for example, still holds great significance today.

The Sophists, on the other hand, brought a different perspective to the table. While some may have had less than noble motives, others were truly dedicated to advancing the art of debate and communication. Their exploration of the relationship between nomos and physis is a topic that continues to be relevant in discussions about ethics, politics, and society.

Overall, reading about these ancient philosophers has been a rewarding experience. It has not only deepened my understanding of their ideas but has also made me appreciate the rich history of philosophy. I look forward to further exploring this fascinating field and uncovering more of the wisdom and insights that have been passed down through the ages.

The Pre-Socratics and Sophists were two important philosophical movements in ancient Greece.

The Pre-Socratics were the first philosophers to explore the nature of the universe and reality. They asked fundamental questions such as "What is the world made of?" and "How does it change?" Some of the famous Pre-Socratics include Thales, Anaximander, and Heraclitus.

The Sophists, on the other hand, were more concerned with human nature and society. They were known for their skills in rhetoric and argumentation, and they taught people how to persuade others. The Sophists believed that there was no absolute truth, but rather that truth was relative to the individual and the situation.

Both the Pre-Socratics and the Sophists had a significant impact on the development of Western philosophy. Their ideas and methods influenced later philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, and continue to be studied and debated today.