A. TESTIMONIES OF HIS LIFE 1. DIOGENES LAERTIUS I 40—44

...[Register of Philosophers] lists: Orpheus, Linus, Solon, Periander, Anacharsis, Cleobulus, Myson, Thales, Bias, Pittacus, Epicharmus, Pythagoras.
The following letters of Thales are also in circulation:

Thales to Pherecydes:

I hear that you are the first of the Ionians to intend to reveal to the Greeks teachings about divine matters. Perhaps your decision to commit your writing to the public, or to entrust it to whomsoever you please, is a matter of no benefit. If it is more agreeable to you, I would like to be a listener regarding the things you write; and if you invite me, I will come to you in Syros. For it would be most irrational if I and Solon the Athenian, having sailed to Crete for the sake of the history there, and having sailed to Egypt to converse with those who are priests and astronomers there, did not sail to you. Solon will also come, if you allow it. You, however, being fond of the countryside, travel little to Ionia, nor does the longing for foreign men hold you. But, as I expect, you are occupied with your writing as your sole business. We, however, who write nothing, let us wander through Greece and Asia.

Thales to Solon:

Having withdrawn from Athens, it seems to me most appropriate for you to establish a home in Miletus among your colonists; for there is nothing terrible here for you. And if you are distressed because we Milesians are ruled by a tyrant — for you hate all such rulers — you would find joy in living your life with us among your friends. Bias also sent word for you to come to Priene; but if the city of Priene is more pleasant to you, live there, and we ourselves will dwell beside you.