Heraclitus

Date of Birth: 535 BCE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 475 BCE

Biography

Heraclitus of Ephesus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher born around 535 BCE in Ephesus, a city in modern-day Turkey. Known for his doctrine that change is central to the universe, Heraclitus is often referred to as “The Obscure” due to the enigmatic and paradoxical nature of his philosophical assertions. He is best known for his belief in the unity of opposites and his assertion that “you cannot step into the same river twice,” emphasizing the constant flux and change in the universe. His works have largely survived in fragments, quoted by later philosophers and historians. Heraclitus came from a noble family and had a disdain for the masses, believing that only a few could grasp the deeper truths of existence. He spent much of his life in solitude, contemplating the nature of reality and the cosmos. Despite his limited interactions with the public, his thoughts significantly influenced later philosophical traditions, including Stoicism and the teachings of Plato and Aristotle.

5 Interesting Facts about Heraclitus

1. Heraclitus is often known as “The Weeping Philosopher” due to his perceived melancholic nature and apparent disdain for human folly.

2. He believed in the concept of Logos, a rational principle governing the universe, which later influenced Stoic philosophy.

3. Heraclitus held that fire is the essential substance of the universe, symbolizing constant change.

4. He was a critic of the religious and cultural practices of his time, which he considered to be superficial.

5. Despite his reclusive nature, Heraclitus’ thoughts on change and unity influenced a wide range of philosophical traditions, including existentialism and process philosophy.