Join the search for wisdom at a live weekly discussion (Zoom) on The Poetic Genius of Heraclitus (18 Aug @6:00 pm EST). Register for free at the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. Learn about the life, philosophy, and wisdom of the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus (c. 535 – c. 475 BCE).
The Only Constant is Change
For some strange reason, I have been gnawed at by the question of how we can change our life. Specifically, how one chooses to walk the path towards the type of life, they want to lead. The question of change naturally led me to the wisdom of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus (c. 535 – c. 475 BC). Although little is known of his life and philosophy, his ideas live on today.
Heraclitus was heir to the throne in Ephesus, one of the world’s richest and most powerful cities, he gave up the kingdom and chose, instead of the trappings of power, to seek the Word of wisdom. For hundreds of years, great thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, and others quoted him with respect. His only surviving writings are known as Fragments, or short poetic aphorisms which are often paradoxical.
Contemplation: Here are five of my favorite Fragments:
For wisdom, listen
not to me but to the Word,
and know that all is one. (2)
Whoever cannot seek
the unforeseen sees nothing,
for the known way
is an impasse. (7)
Of all the words yet spoken,
none comes quite as far as wisdom,
which is the action of the mind
beyond all things that may be said. (18)
Wisdom is the oneness
of mind that guides
and permeates all things. (19)
The river where
you set your foot
just now is gone—
those waters
giving way to this,
now this. (41)
For good reason, Heraclitus is sometimes referred to as the philosopher of riddles. In the forward on the Penguin edition of Fragments, James Hillman writes, “We are still riddling out these “fragments” generation after generation. Everything we read and refer to as “Heraclitus” is second or thirdhand—even fourth. What Heraclitus actually said or wrote, we have only signs pointing to the authority…. I like to think he would have enjoyed this deconstruction of his lasting words through the centuries of time.”
If you’re interested in learning more, join me for a live discussion on The Poetic Genius of Heraclitus (18 Aug @6:00 pm EST). Register for free at the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. I hope to see you there!
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Thank you for reading; I hope you found something useful.
Be wise and be well,