Heraclitus
Born in Ephesus (6th century BC) (today's Turkey), Heraclitus is also called
the "Weeping Philosopher" because he used to sit in Ephesos and cry over mans
feebleness and foolishness.
Heraclitus believed that the world was in a constant state of change, and
his statement Ta Panta Rei ("Everything Floats") is his best known quote.
He also illustrated his belief in everythings fluxuality by saying you
cannot step in the same river twice. He meant that change was the only true
reality.
Heraclitus also said that fire was the primordial source of matter, and he
occupied himself with ethics and theology, and is also considered to ave founded
the Greek metaphysics. He attacked the popular religion and its concepts and
ceremonies.
The philosopher ended his days as a hermit, trying to live of the grass on
the ground. When this failed he tried to cure himself by sitting on a pile of
warm manure, where he died.