Those Darn Philosophers
The philosopher Heraclitus is famous for saying, "You cannot step into the same river twice." What do you suppose he meant by that?
The allegory can be applied to just about anything in life since everything is in a state of constant change ("constant change" being the ultimate oxymoron). But the allegory actually has two parts and most people will see the part about the river being different the second time you step into it. But not everyone notices the second part, which shows that if you step into the river, step back out of it, then step back in to it, YOU are no longer the same person that you were when you stepped into the river the first time. Not only is the river different but YOU are different. Not only is the river in a state of constant change but so are we.
What I am wondering is whether the allegory can be applied to "just about anything" or to everything. Is there anything that does not change? Are there absolutes? What about so-called "truth?" Are there absolute, unchanging truths or are truths also like rivers--and those who step into rivers? If change is constant can there be any truth that does not change? Or is the notion of constant change an absolute truth which contradicts itself? Do we have an oxymoron, a paradox or an unsolvable mystery? Can we find an answer with our noggins or do we have to jump in the river and go with the flow?
Those darn philosophers!
Copyright by White Feather. All Rights Reserved.
The allegory can be applied to just about anything in life since everything is in a state of constant change ("constant change" being the ultimate oxymoron). But the allegory actually has two parts and most people will see the part about the river being different the second time you step into it. But not everyone notices the second part, which shows that if you step into the river, step back out of it, then step back in to it, YOU are no longer the same person that you were when you stepped into the river the first time. Not only is the river different but YOU are different. Not only is the river in a state of constant change but so are we.
What I am wondering is whether the allegory can be applied to "just about anything" or to everything. Is there anything that does not change? Are there absolutes? What about so-called "truth?" Are there absolute, unchanging truths or are truths also like rivers--and those who step into rivers? If change is constant can there be any truth that does not change? Or is the notion of constant change an absolute truth which contradicts itself? Do we have an oxymoron, a paradox or an unsolvable mystery? Can we find an answer with our noggins or do we have to jump in the river and go with the flow?
Those darn philosophers!
Copyright by White Feather. All Rights Reserved.