Meaning: Empedocles, an ancient Greek philosopher, poet, and healer, is known for his influential ideas about the nature of the universe and the divine. The quote "Happy is he who has gained the wealth of divine thoughts, wretched is he whose beliefs about the gods are dark" reflects his beliefs about the importance of understanding and connecting with the divine in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment in life.

In this quote, Empedocles emphasizes the value of "divine thoughts" as a form of wealth. He suggests that those who have gained insight into the nature of the gods and the divine are to be considered fortunate or "happy." This implies that understanding the divine and having a deep connection to it can bring about a sense of contentment and well-being. On the other hand, Empedocles contrasts this with the idea that those whose beliefs about the gods are "dark" or lacking in understanding may be considered "wretched" or unhappy. This suggests that ignorance or misunderstanding of the divine can lead to a sense of despair or unhappiness.

Empedocles' emphasis on the importance of divine thoughts and beliefs about the gods reflects his broader philosophical and religious views. He was a proponent of the concept of the four classical elements—earth, air, fire, and water—and believed that these elements were the fundamental building blocks of the universe. Additionally, he proposed the concept of Love and Strife as the driving forces behind the perpetual cycles of creation and destruction in the cosmos.

For Empedocles, the understanding of the divine was intricately linked to the understanding of the natural world. He believed that by gaining insight into the workings of the universe, one could also gain a deeper understanding of the divine order that governed all things. In this sense, the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom about the natural world was also a pursuit of divine knowledge.

The quote can also be interpreted in the context of ancient Greek religious beliefs and practices. In ancient Greece, the gods played a central role in every aspect of life, and their favor was sought through prayers, sacrifices, and rituals. Empedocles' emphasis on the significance of one's beliefs about the gods reflects the importance of religious piety and understanding in ancient Greek society.

Overall, Empedocles' quote encapsulates his belief in the profound impact of one's thoughts and beliefs about the divine on their overall well-being. By valuing the acquisition of divine thoughts and understanding, Empedocles highlights the potential for spiritual enlightenment and happiness. Conversely, a lack of understanding or a "dark" belief system about the gods may lead to a sense of misery or despair. This quote serves as a reflection of Empedocles' philosophical and religious views, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the natural world, the divine, and human happiness.