The Fragments: Heraclitus - Essay Example

21 February The Fragments: Heraclitus The fragments from Heraclitus show that the ancient Greek philosophers considered the act of inquiring things very valuable and rated it very high. This act of inquiring anything a person comes across helps to increase both wisdom and knowledge. The habit of simply concurring about the most important matters in life is looked down upon. It is encouraged to inquire and not to concur. It seems as if the range of the early Greek philosophers’ inquiry was unlimited.

They not only liked to set themselves apart from the ordinary, but also aspired to be recognized as thinkers. One of the most interesting features of Heraclitus’s fragments is how logically and astutely he observes human affairs. He clearly laments the blindness of human beings and detests the fact that such blindness is a hurdle in the way of seeking truth. Heraclitus comments very early on in the fragments that men appear to be uncomprehending and unknowledgeable both before and after hearing the voice of wisdom.

They prove to be as least mindful of things they do while awake as they are of things they do when not awake. Heraclitus warns in the start that many of his readers will not comprehend his message because they are like heavy sleepers who do not see or explore the world around them. He digs with acute intelligence into human condition and affairs and makes myriad philosophical comments on the subject. For example, he attaches huge importance to the character of a person and equates it to guardian spirit.

This is why Heraclitus’s fragments can be considered a deep study on human condition.