15+ Protagoras Quotes On Education, Democracy

Protagoras was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who lived in the 5th century BC. He is known for his famous statement, "Man is the measure of all things," which suggests that reality is relative and subjective. He is also known for his work on rhetoric and for his defense of moral relativism. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Protagoras on love, life, education.

No intelligent man believes that anybody ever willingly errs or willingly does base and evil deeds; they are well aware that all who do base and evil things do them unwillingly. — Protagoras

Man is the measure of all things. — Protagoras

Man is the measure of all things, of the reality of those which are, and of the unreality of those which are not. — Protagoras

As to the gods, I have no means of knowing either that they exist or do not exist. — Protagoras

There are two sides to every question. — Protagoras

Concerning the gods, I have no means of knowing either that they exist or that they do not exist, nor what sort of form they may have; there are many reasons why knowledge on this subject is not possible, owing to the lack of evidence and the shortness of human life. — Protagoras

When it comes to consideration of how to do well in running the city, which must proceed entirely through justice and soundness of mind. — Protagoras

There are intelligible principles inherent in the matter of every phenomenon; because matter is essentially the sum of all the seemings that it has for any and all persons. — Protagoras

As to gods, I have no way of knowing either that they exist or do not exist, or what they are like. — Protagoras

The Athenians are right to accept advice from anyone, since it is incumbent on everyone to share in that sort of excellence, or else there can be no city at all. — Protagoras

About the gods I have no means of knowing either that they exist or that they do not exist or what they are to look at. Many things prevent my knowing. Among others, the fact that they are never seen. — Protagoras

Man is the measure of all things, of things that are that they are, and of things that are not that they are not. — Protagoras

Let us hold our discussion together in our own persons, making trial of the truth and of ourselves. — Protagoras

As touching the gods, I do not know whether they exist or not, nor how they are featured; for there is much to prevent our knowing: the obscurity of the subject and the brevity of human life. — Protagoras

Many things prevent knowledge, including the obscurity of the subject and the brevity of human life — Protagoras

Life Lessons by Protagoras

1. Protagoras believed that knowledge was subjective and that truth was relative, which taught us to be open-minded and to consider different perspectives.
2. He also taught us to be humble and accept that our own beliefs and opinions may not be the only ones that are valid.
3. He believed that the best way to gain knowledge was through dialogue and debate, which can help us to better understand different points of view.