# Leucippus explained — The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers

> Chapter companion for The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laërtius.

## What happens

This chapter introduces Leucippus, the first philosopher to propose atoms as fundamental principles. It describes his doctrines on the infinite universe, the void, the formation of worlds through vortices, and the nature of celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars.

## Themes in this chapter

### Natural Philosophy and Cosmology

Leucippus explains the origin of worlds, the nature of the sun, moon, and stars, and the role of necessity in cosmic processes.

## Character check-ins

### Leucippus

Native of Velia, Abdera, or Melos; pupil of Zeno; first to posit atoms as principles.

### Zeno of Citium

Mentioned as Leucippus's teacher.

## Key lines

> He was the first philosopher who spoke of atoms as principles.

Leucippus was the first thinker to introduce atoms as the fundamental building blocks of reality.

_Highlights his pioneering role in atomism._

> the worlds were produced by bodies falling into the vacuum, and becoming entangled with one another

Worlds form when bodies fall into the void and become entangled, creating vortices.

_Describes his cosmogony._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters/leucippus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_and_opinions_of_eminent_philosophers_se/chapters