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Heraclitus was a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who lived in Ephesus, in what is now Turkey, around 535-475 BCE. At Standupphilosophers, we embrace his doctrine of flux: Heraclitus believed that everything is in constant change and that stability is an illusion. This idea is often summed up with the phrase “Panta rhei” (everything flows). He is best known for his doctrine that change is the fundamental essence of the universe, captured in his famous saying:
“You cannot step twice into the same rivers; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you.”
As it was in ancient Greece thousands of years ago, so in present times do rivers continue to flow timelessly downstream all around the world. The water of a flowing river is a great analogy for the flux of existence. Just as the river’s waters are in constant motion, forever shifting and renewing themselves, so too is everything in the universe in a state of perpetual change. Rivers are ungraspable—you cannot hold them still because their nature is to change. The same waters that brush past your fingers one moment are replaced by new waters in the next. To attempt to grasp at the ungraspable frustrates the will and will only lead to dissatisfaction and disappointment.
The river is the prime archetype of the Heraclitian flux and so in everyday life, we can see this flux in the changing seasons, the aging process, and the constant evolution of technology and society. In the sphere of technology, the rapid advancement and innovation we witness are clear manifestations of flux. Consider how quickly smartphones evolve, with new models and features emerging every year, rendering previous versions obsolete. This relentless pace of change highlights the impermanence and continuous development that Heraclitus saw as fundamental to existence.
Consider the changing seasons: winter melts into spring, which blossoms into summer, and fades into autumn. Each season seamlessly transitions into the next, creating a continuous cycle of change. Similarly, the life cycle of a tree demonstrates this concept. A seed grows into a sapling, matures into a tree, and eventually withers and dies, returning nutrients to the soil to nurture new seeds. This cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth exemplifies the endless process of transformation that Heraclitus described.
In our personal lives, we experience flux through our own growth and development. We are not the same people we were a year ago, a month ago, or even a day ago. Our thoughts, experiences, and relationships continuously shape and reshape who we are.
“This universe, which is the same for all, has not been made by any god or man, but it always has been, is, and will be — an ever-living fire, kindling itself by regular measures and going out by regular measures.”
The universe is intertwined with change. Heraclitus’ notion of flux applies to all aspects of life and natural phenomena, reminding us that nothing remains static. Embracing this perspective can help us navigate the uncertainties and transformations we encounter, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamic world we live in. By recognizing and accepting the constant flow of change, we can better adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving universe.
Though not much remains of Heraclitus’ work, his doctrine finds its resonance in the philosophy of the Buddhists and Nietzscheans. However, it’s within the Greek world that Heraclitus’ ideas significantly influenced philosophical thought, particularly the work of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. His emphasis on change and the unity of opposites continues to be relevant in various philosophical discussions today.
Heraclitus saw strife or conflict as essential agents of change and development in the universe. He believed that opposites are necessary for life and that their interaction and tension drive the dynamic processes of the cosmos. This idea is often encapsulated in his famous saying, “War is the father of all things,” which highlights the productive and generative aspects of conflict because for Heraclitus, rather than viewing conflict solely as a negative force, we can recognise its role in fostering development and transformation throughout all of history from political revolutions to innovation borne of competition.
Given attention spans are also fluctuating I can only write so much about the doctrine of flux for the readership. But one last thing I’d like to touch on is that this notion of flux can be a compelling challenge to those of us who hold onto a rigid perspective of reality. Many people may believe that relationships, job positions, or personal identities will remain unchanged forever—until they are forced to confront that change. Personally, I have had to reconsider my own perceptions regarding stability and permanence throughout my life people I’ve come into the world with have now left, I’ve gone from working sedentary white collar jobs to physically active blue collar jobs and my philosophical views of the world are always being amended as I read more information.
Why? Because we know that everything in life—people, circumstances, feelings, and sensations—flows like a river, embodying Heraclitus’ prime archetype of flux. Waters of a river continuously flow, so too does everything around us. Embracing this perspective helps us understand that change is the only constant, encouraging us to adapt and grow with the ever-shifting currents of life.
