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This world... ever was, and is, and shall be, ever-living Fire, in measures being kindled and in measures going out.
Heraclitus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Heraclitus emphasizes the constant change and transformation of the universe, symbolized by fire.

This quote by Heraclitus reflects his belief in the fundamental nature of change and the cyclical processes of existence. By illustrating the world as 'ever-living Fire,' he suggests that everything is in a state of flux, where things are continually created and destroyed, symbolizing the duality of life and the interconnectedness of all phenomena.

Themes

ChangeFireTransformationFluxPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the nature of life, one might quote Heraclitus to illustrate the inevitability of change.

More from Heraclitus

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.
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Thinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
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Things of which there is sight, hearing, apprehension, these I prefer.
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Our envy always lasts longer than the happiness of those we envy.
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For when is death not within our selves? And as Heracleitus says: β€œLiving and dead are the same, and so are awake and asleep, young and old. The former when shifted are the latter, and again the latter when shifted are the former."
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Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season.
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