thecolourblue 's review for:

Fragments by Heraclitus

3.5

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The book (at least the Penguin Classic edition I read) is mostly introduction. Fragments by fragmented, after all, but luckily thee introduction is pretty good.

As for Heraclitus work itself… mans got bars.

Many who have learned
from Hesiod the countless names
of gods and monsters
never understand
that night and day are one.

There are definitely elements of philosophy here that still feel applicable to modern-day thought, really drumming in how little some elements of human nature change. (”To be evenminded is the greatest virtue. Wisdom is to speak the truth and act in keeping with its nature.”).

There are other quotes that wouldn’t be out of place in a modern self-help book (”Always having what we want may not be the best good fortune. Health seems sweetest after sickness, food in hunger, goodness in the wake of evil, and at the end of daylong labor sleep.”) and some that are just funny snarky comments or witticisms (”Those unmindful when they hear, for all they make of their intelligence, may be regarded as the walking dead”). 

Also one straight jab at Pythagoras, which, was that warranted? No idea, I’m not that up to date on ancient greek beefs.