Need the least, and you're closest to the gods.

The source

"Need the least, and you're closest to the gods." Socrates said it in Diogenes Laertius 2.27. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"καὶ ἐλαχίστων δεόμενος ἔγγιστα εἶναι θεῶν."

Original Greek, Diogenes Laertius 2.27. Greek: Hicks 1925 Loeb text via Perseus.

Who said it

Socrates (c. 470–399 BC). The Athenian who wrote nothing and questioned everyone. We know him through Plato.

Questions

Who said "Need the least, and you're closest to the gods."?

Socrates (c. 470–399 BC). Source: Diogenes Laertius 2.27.

What is the original Greek?

καὶ ἐλαχίστων δεόμενος ἔγγιστα εἶναι θεῶν. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.