The River

When did you last sit near a stream or a river and watch the water flow by?

This river, that appears to be one-whole, is in fact, constantly changing.

The water flowing in the river is never the same from one moment to the next. This idea emphasises the fluidity and impermanence of all things in the universe.

This idea of flux and flow was first spoken by Heraclitus, a Pre-Socratic philosopher from Ephesus (around 500 BCE), who is famous for his doctrine of constant change and the unity of opposites.

One of the most well-known aspects of his thought is his belief in the ever-changing nature of the universe, often expressed through the idea that “everything flows” (panta rhei).

His most famous phrase is: “You cannot step into the same river twice,” which illustrates his core belief that everything is in a constant state of flux.

The river, as a symbol, represents the continuous flow and change of the world, where even the water in the river is never the same at any two moments, as it is constantly moving and being replaced. The image of the river thus serves as a metaphor for the dynamic and transient nature of existence.

Water, for Heraclitus, represents the idea of continual change. Water itself is fluid and mutable, and it serves as a fitting metaphor for his concept of logos—the rational principle that governs change. Just as water flows and transforms from one form to another (e.g., from liquid to steam to ice), everything in the universe undergoes constant transformation. Heraclitus believed that this process of change and transformation was the essence of reality.

Heraclitus also explored the idea of the unity of opposites, which can be connected to his views on water. For example, the river might seem like one entity, but it is made up of opposing forces: the flow of water versus the stillness of the banks, the warmth of the sun versus the coolness of the water, the continuity of the river versus the changes within it. In Heraclitus’ philosophy, these opposites are not in conflict but are part of a unified whole that drives the constant process of change.

Heraclitus used the river to demonstrate that change is the fundamental characteristic of life and the cosmos. Everything is in a state of perpetual becoming, never static. Even though the river might seem stable or constant, it is actually a symbol of the continuous flow of time and the transformation of all things.

Today, as we try to understand the fast pace of change and uncertainty in today’s world maybe we can learn a lesson from this thinker from 2500 years ago! The one thing that is constant in life is change. Therefore, we can all take a big breath and enjoy the changing river, noticing its beauty and its strength and feeling alive as we transform.

Until next time,

Mon x