things are resolved into water. And he conjectures this, first, from the fact that the seed of
all living creatures, which is their first principle, is moist; and secondly, because all plants
grow and bear fruit in moisture, but when deprived of moisture, wither. Then, as if not
satisfied with his conjectures, he cites Homer as a most trustworthy testimony, who speaks
thus:—
“Ocean, who is the origin of all.”762
May not Thales, then, very fairly say to him, “What is the reason, Aristotle, why you
give heed to Homer, as if he spoke truth, when you wish to demolish the opinions of Plato;
but when you promulgate an opinion contrary to ours, you think Homer untruthful?”
762 Iliad, xiv. 246.
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Chapter V.—Opinions of Plato and Aristotle.