A Philosophical Introduction by a Young Thinker in Formation
Author: Sadrack Rafael Ribeiro Miguel Ângelo (Age 12)
Junior Member of Ontological Studies in the Contemporary GAESEMA Philosophy
Disciple and Son of the Philosopher Gilson Guilherme Miguel Ângelo

Abstract

This article presents an introduction to the thought of the pre-Socratic philosopher Thales of Miletus, recognized as the initiator of rational thinking in Western philosophy. Based on his famous idea that “everything is made of water,” this work aims to explain the meaning of that statement with clarity and philosophical depth. The article was written by Sadrack Rafael Ribeiro Miguel Ângelo, a 12-year-old dedicated student of philosophy and member of the GAESEMA Ontological Formation Program, guided by his father and mentor, philosopher Gilson Guilherme Miguel Ângelo. This work is classified under the Junior Philosophers Tier, as a structured contribution from a child thinker, promoting philosophical development from early childhood.

1. Philosophy Begins by Asking Questions

Thales of Miletus was born around 624 BC. He lived in the city of Miletus, where he began to ask different questions from those commonly heard. At that time, people believed that the gods explained everything—from the rising sun to the rain. But Thales thought differently. He began to observe nature and think rationally instead of simply repeating stories passed down by others.

Asking questions like “Where does everything come from?” or “What is this that I see?” was the beginning of philosophy. That is why Thales is considered the first philosopher.

2. Water Is in Everything

Thales believed that water was the origin of all things. He thought the entire universe came from water. While this idea may seem simple today, it was revolutionary in his time.

He reached this conclusion by observing:

• The presence of water in all of nature: in plants, rivers, rain, and the human body.
• The changing forms of water: it can become ice or vapor and still remain water.
• The importance of water for life: without water, nothing survives. So perhaps everything comes from it.

Thales called this idea archê, which in Greek means origin or first principle.

3. Thinking with Open Eyes

When Thales said that everything was made of water, he didn’t use magic or myths. He used what we now call observation and reasoning. That means: he looked around and thought carefully. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions or to think differently. And this is exactly what we call philosophy.

This is the attitude that we learn in the studies of GAESEMA Philosophy: to look, to think, and to seek the truth with responsibility, from an early age.

4. The Value of This Idea Today

Even though today’s scientists know the world is made of atoms and other particles, Thales’ idea is still important:

• He was the first to suggest that the world could be understood without myths.
• He showed that a single substance might explain everything — the idea of unity in diversity.
• He taught that thinking and observing are ways to uncover the truth about reality.

These lessons are valuable for children, youth, and adults, because they shape a mind that seeks truth with order, clarity, and courage.

5. Other Philosophers Who Continued His Path

After Thales, other philosophers also tried to discover the beginning of everything:

• Anaximander said everything comes from something formless, called the ápeiron.
• Anaximenes believed air was the fundamental substance.

These philosophers formed what we now call the Milesian School, and they all began to think differently thanks to Thales. He lit the lamp of reason, and that lamp is still burning today.

6. Philosophy Is Also for Children

This article shows that philosophy is not only for adults. Children can also think deeply. At 12 years old, I can say that studying philosophy helps me better understand the world, myself, and other people.

Studying Thales taught me that asking questions is not a waste of time — it is the beginning of the path to wisdom. With guidance and discipline, we can begin to philosophize even as children, as the GAESEMA Philosophy teaches.

Conclusion

Thales of Miletus was the first man to propose that the universe had a natural origin, and that human thought could uncover it. He chose water as the base of everything because he observed life carefully and respectfully.

This article, written by a 12-year-old child, proves that philosophy can begin in childhood, and that we can learn to think with truth, logic, and integrity from a young age.

To philosophize means, above all, to learn how to look and to ask. And it is through these simple, yet profound actions that the journey of knowledge truly begins.

About the Author

Sadrack Rafael Ribeiro Miguel Ângelo, 12 years old, is a junior member of the ontological and philosophical studies within the GAESEMA school of thought. He actively participates in educational activities guided by his father, Gilson Guilherme Miguel Ângelo, founder and philosopher of the GAESEMA Philosophy.
He is a beginner student of GAESEMA Philosophy, where his guide is also his father, who accompanies him on his philosophical and spiritual journey.
This article marks his first published philosophical contribution, the result of his dedicated study and the moral, familial, and spiritual guidance he receives.

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