Aristotle tells us that Thales held water to be the first principle of all things, that from which all things come to be, and into which they are finally resolved. He observed that the nourishment of all creatures is moist, and that warmth itself is generated from moisture. He saw the earth resting on water, like a log floating on a stream.
Diogenes Laertius reports that Thales was the first to declare the soul immortal. He said: "Of all things, the most ancient is God, for he is uncreated. The most beautiful is the world, for it is God's workmanship. The greatest is space, for it holds all things. The swiftest is mind, for it speeds everywhere. The strongest is necessity, for it masters all. The wisest is time, for it brings everything to light."
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