The yet higher distinction has been claimed for Thales of having introduced among his countrymen the doctrine of the immortality of the soul.

But this sublime truth, though connected with no theory of future rewards and punishments, was received in Greece long before his time.

Perhaps, however, as the expressions of Cicero indicate, Thales might be the first who attempted to give reasons for what was believed.

His reasons were, nevertheless, sufficiently crude and puerile; and having declared it the property of the soul to move itself, and other things, he was forced to give a soul to the loadstone, because it moved iron! These fantastic doctrines examined, and his geometrical or astronomical discoveries dubious, it may be asked, what did Thales effect for philosophy?
Chiefly this: he gave reasons for opinions--he aroused the dormant spirit of inquiry--he did for truths what the legislators of his age did for the people--left them active and stirring to free and vigorous competition.

He took Wisdom out of despotism, and placed her in a republic--he was in harmony with the great principle of his age, which was investigation, and not tradition; and thus he became the first example of that great truth-- that to think freely is the first step to thinking well.