Heraclitus Quote by Aristotle
““And further, observing that all this indeterminate substance is in motion, and that no true predication can be made of that which changes, they supposed that it is impossible to make any true statement about that which is in all ways and entirely changeable. For it was from this supposition that there blossomed forth the most extreme view of those which we have mentioned, that of the professed followers of Heraclitus, and such as Cratylus held, who ended by thinking that one need not say anything, and only moved his finger; and who criticized Heraclitus for saying that one cannot enter the same river twice, for he himself held that it cannot be done even once.””
About This Quote
Source Work: Metaphysics, Book VII, 350 BC
Aristotle critiques Heraclitus’ view that change makes true statements impossible, arguing that despite constant flux, meaningful discourse remains viable.
In simple terms: Even with change, we can still speak truthfully.
Key Takeaway
Recognize stability within change.
Themes
philosophy
logic
change
language
truth
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- debate
- teaching
- scientific theory development
Key Concepts
metaphysics
epistemology
dialectic
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we speak about things that constantly change?
- What limits does language have in describing reality?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex philosophical debates.
![“[Heraclitus] concluded that coming-to-be itself could not be anything evil or unjust.” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e2c/friedrich-nietzsche-15_evil_heraclitus-concluded-that-coming-to-be-i_2215109.jpg)
![“[Heraclitus had] a regal air of certainty.” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3fd/friedrich-nietzsche-15_air_heraclitus-had-a-regal-air-of-certainty_928108.jpg)
![“[Heraclitus speaks as if] in entrancement ... but [also] truthfully.” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/52a/friedrich-nietzsche-15_ifs_heraclitus-speaks-as-if-in-entrancement_940333.jpg)
![“[Heraclitus had] pride not in logical knowledge but rather in intuitive grasping of the truth.” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/96f/friedrich-nietzsche-15_grasping_heraclitus-had-pride-not-in-logical-know_1621046.jpg)
