Heraclitus

Heraclitus was born in Ephesus, Asia Minor 540-480 B.C. He was the son of Herakon. He had the title of a king of the Ionians which he resigned to his brother. His city was close to Miletus where many other philosophers were at and traveled by. He is said to have only written one book. He was different from other philosopher because he was independent of the several schools and he was a self-taught. Heraclitus was into philosophy since his childhood and he was wondrous. First he said that he knew nothing but later heard to say he knew everything there is to know. Heraclitus was known to be creative and influential then him. His great truth is that all is one. He is very famous for that theory he made. He is much known for challenging people to come to terms. There are not many writings of his work or life.

He believed nature is always in a state of constant change and even if you don’t see it is always changing. He believed too that our sensory perceptions are reliable. Heraclitus said that there has to be a universal reason that makes everything in nature change. He says that everything flows and that everything is in a constant flux and movement, nothing is abiding. He too believed that both good and bad have their inevitable place in the order of things. He never used the word god but logo which means reason. He said that we are guided by the universal reason and not in our individual reason. In Sophie’s World Book we can find more information on page 20 (which is misspelled and written as Heraditus)

5 Quotes (characteristic)

·“There is nothing permanent except change”

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

· “Much learning does not teach understanding.”

·“Change alone is unchanging.”

·“Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.”

He only wrote one book names “On Nature”. “On Nature” is Heraclitus theory’s and beliefs. If there were more "On Nature" was the only one saved.