Democritus: Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy
Who Was Democritus?
Democritus (, dim-OCK-rit-əs; Greek: Δημόκριτος, Dēmókritos, meaning "chosen of the people"; c. 460 – c. 370 BC) was an Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher from Abdera, primarily remembered today for his formulation of an atomic theory of the universe. Democritus wrote extensively on a wide variety of topics.
None of Democritus' original work has survived, except through second-hand references. Many of these references come from Aristotle, who viewed him as an important rival in the field of natural philosophy. He was known in antiquity as the ‘laughing philosopher’ because of his emphasis on the value of cheerfulness.
Key Facts
- Born: January 1, 460 in Abdera, Thrace
- Field: Philosophy
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Democritus extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped human thought and intellectual discourse, and his ideas and philosophical frameworks remain foundational to this day.
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