Heraclitus

Date of Birth: 535 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 475 BCE

Biography

Heraclitus of Ephesus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who lived around 535-475 BCE. Known for his doctrine of change being central to the universe, he is often referred to as “The Obscure” due to the enigmatic nature of his writings. Heraclitus was born into an aristocratic family in Ephesus, a prominent city of ancient Ionia. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not establish a school of followers but was instead a solitary thinker. His work primarily survives in fragments, often quoted by later philosophers and authors. Heraclitus emphasized the constant state of flux in the universe, famously encapsulated in the phrase “No man ever steps in the same river twice.” His contributions to philosophy have had a lasting impact, influencing both his contemporaries and later philosophers, including the Stoics and existentialists.

5 Interesting Facts about Heraclitus

1. Heraclitus is dubbed “The Weeping Philosopher” due to his melancholic view of the human condition.

2. He believed that fire is the primary substance of the universe, symbolizing constant change.

3. Heraclitus’ philosophy is often summarized by his doctrine of “flux,” stating that everything is in a constant state of change.

4. Despite his significant contributions, Heraclitus wrote only one book, which he deposited in the temple of Artemis in Ephesus.

5. He had a disdain for the masses and believed that most people are ignorant of the true nature of reality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Heraclitus

1. “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

2. “The path up and down are one and the same.”

3. “Change alone is unchanging.”

4. “The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts.”

5. “Character is destiny.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Heraclitus lived in an era where the concept of net worth as understood in modern terms did not exist. As a philosopher from an aristocratic family, he likely had substantial means, but there is no record of his wealth.