Philosophers mentioned by Bahá'u'lláh

In the Lawh-i-Hikmat, translated as the Tablet of Wisdom, Bahá'u'lláh addresses a believer called Mullá Muhammad-'Ali. Among the matters he discusses can be found references to some of the philosophers of the Ancient European world. He explains that:

The sages aforetime acquired their knowledge from the Prophets, inasmuch as the latter were the exponents of divine philosophy and the Revealers of heavenly mysteries.

Bahá'u'lláh makes mention of the following:

• Empedocles, "who distinguished himself in philosophy", and who was a contemporary of David.
• Pythagoras, who "lived in the days of Solomon, son of David, and acquired Wisdom from the treasury of prophethood."
• Hippocrates "He was one of the eminent philosophers who believed in God and acknowledged His sovereignty."
• Socrates. Bahá'u'lláh writes at some length about Socrates, including the following: "He dissuaded men from worshipping idols and taught them the way of God, the Lord of Mercy.... He is the most distinguished of all philosophers and was highly versed in wisdom."
• Plato, who "acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs..."
• Aristotle, the "well-known man of knowledge".
• Pliny, who "surpassed everyone else in the diffusion of arts and sciences and soared unto the loftiest heights of humility and supplication." Bahá'u'lláh quotes from invocations given to God by Pliny.
• Hermes.