Parmenides Quotes

9 Sourced Quotes

The only roads of enquiry there are to think of: one, that it is and that it is not possible for it not to be, this is the path of persuasion (for truth is its companion); the other, that it is not and that it must not be — this I say to you is a path wholly unknowable.

Parmenides
For it is the same thing that can be thought and that can be.

Parmenides
Never will this prevail, that the things that are not are — bar your thought from this road of inquiry.

Parmenides
Since all things have been named light and night, and the names which belong to the powers of each have been assigned, all is full at once of light and dark night, both equal, since nothing is without either.

Parmenides
It is indifferent to me where I am to begin, for there shall I return again.
Variant translation: It does not matter to me wherever I begin; for there again I shall return once more.

Parmenides
What can be spoken and thought of must exist, for it can exist but nothing can not.

Parmenides
Do not let habit, born from experience, force you along this road, directing aimless eye and echoing ear and tongue; but judge by reason the much contested proof which I have spoken.

Parmenides
There is one story left, one road: that it is. And on this road there are very many signs that, being, is uncreated and imperishable, whole, unique, unwavering, and complete.

Parmenides
You must learn all things, both the unshaken heart of persuasive truth, and the opinions of mortals in which there is no true warranty.

Parmenides