--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Of the first philosophers, then, most…" description: "\"Of the first philosophers, then, most thought the principles which were of the nature of matter were the only principles of all things. That of which a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/mary-hunter-austin-16934_agree_of-the-first-philosophers-then-most-thou_947007.jpg" --- # Of the first philosophers, then, most thought the… ![“Of the first philosophers, then, most thought the principles which were of the nature of matter were the only principles of all things. That of which all things that are consist, the first from which they come to be, the last into which they are resolved…this they say is the element and this is…” quote by Mary Hunter Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/mary-hunter-austin-16934_agree_of-the-first-philosophers-then-most-thou_947007.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/mary-hunter-austin-16934_agree_of-the-first-philosophers-then-most-thou_947007.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/mary-hunter-austin-16934_agree_of-the-first-philosophers-then-most-thou_947007.jpg) > “Of the first philosophers, then, most thought the principles which were of the nature of matter were the only principles of all things. That of which all things that are consist, the first from which they come to be, the last into which they are resolved…this they say is the element and this is the principle of things… yet they do not all agree as to the number and the nature of these principle is water…” [Mary Hunter Austin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-hunter-austin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Early philosophers argued that matter is the fundamental principle of all things, but disagreed on its exact nature and number. **In simple terms:** Matter as basic principle, debated. Key Takeaway Consider multiple foundations of reality. Themes philosophy metaphysics ancient thought Mood inquisitive analytical Type theoretical historical When to use this quote - academic lecture - philosophical discussion - teaching - research Key Concepts materialism elemental theory ontology Questions to Reflect On - What element would you choose as fundamental? - How do differing views shape scientific progress? A Different Perspective Debates on fundamental nature persist today. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Elements](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elements/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Rain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rain/) [Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivers/) [Water](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/water/) ## Related quotes > [“When he adopted Western methods, it was in a purely utilitarian spirit. He gave no thought to the principles on which our civilisation is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/homer-b-hulbert/when-he-adopted-western-methods-it-was-in-a-purely-utilitarian-spirit/) Homer B. 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