Democritus was born in Abdera in Thrace in northern Greece. During his long life, he traveled widely in the ancient world, although the reports that he visited India are probably false. He was a pupil of Leucippus, who was the first atomist. The Greek word 'atomos' means something that cannot be cut or divided. Allegedly, Democritus lived to the age of 110, and he was one year older than Socrates. He was a prolific writer. Diogenes Laertius lists over 60 works written by Democritus, including his famous Maxims. His interests extended far beyond natural philosophy and atomism. He discussed the nature of humans as cultural and social beings, what we would call today anthropological studies. He wrote treatises on poetry, mathematics, and various technical matters, such as farming, diets, medical judgment, and military tactics. He also wrote nine works on moral and political philosophy.
