Protagoras quotes

Protagoras was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, renowned as one of the most influential sophists of ancient times. Often cited for the statement "Man is the measure of all things," his teachings focused on relativism and the power of human perception. He challenged traditional beliefs about truth and morality, leaving a lasting impact on Western philosophy. Here are 9 of his quotes:

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

Man is the measure of all things.

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

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

Man is the measure of all things: of things which are, that they are, and of things which are not, that they are not.

Protagoras

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

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

Protagoras

You, Socrates, began by saying that virtue can't be taught, and now you are insisting on the opposite, trying to show that all things are knowledge, justice, soundness of mind, even courage, from which it would follow that virtue most certainly can be taught.

Protagoras