Heraclitus

A Look At Heraclitus In order to begin discussing the Heraclitean account on reality and how it marks an advance, I will give a brief background on Heraclitus. Heraclitus was born around 540 B.C. on the Asia Minor Coast in a country called Ephesus. Ephesus is located near Miletus, which is today called Turkey. There is not a lot known about his early life. However, it is said that he was from an aristocratic royal family and that he could have inherited a kingdom, but allowed his younger brother to take over the kingdom instead. Most philosophical historians believe that he was probably very conceited and had somewhat of a critical outlook toward the multitude (commoners) and political leaders. Thus he makes the following quotes about his position on politics 10.87(33) It is law, too, to obey the counsel of one. 10.116(121) Every grown man of the Ephesians should hang himself and leave the city to the boys; for they banished Hermodorus, the best man among them, saying “let no one of us excel, or if he does, be it elsewhere and among others.” 10.117(125a) May wealth never leave you, Ephesians, lest your wickedness be revealed. 10.118(49) One person is ten thousand to me if he is best. It is also believed that he disdained earlier philosophers such as Homer and Hesiod. 10.71 (57) Most men’s teacher is Hesiod. They are sure he knew most things- a man who could not recognize day and night; for they are one.

There are many accounts about different instances within Heraclitus’ life, some are believable and others seem unrealistic. On such story, says that he was invited to King Darius’ throne to explain his principles of thought but refused, this may not sound like a big deal, unless you know who King Darius was. Darius was a very powerful king over the kingdom of Persia. This is very important because Kin Darius is mentioned within the Old Testament of the Bible; therefore, one can’t help but to think what changes there may have been religious