There are forces in nature called Love and Hate. The force of Love causes elements to be attracted to each other and to be built up into some particular form or person, and the force of Hate causes the decomposition of things.
EmpedoclesRead
The force that unites the elements to become all things is Love, also called Aphrodite; Love brings together dissimilar elements into a unity, to become a composite thing. Love is the same force that human beings find at work in themselves whenever they feel joy, love and peace. Strife, on the other hand, is the force responsible for the dissolution of the one back into its many, the four elements of which it was composed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Love is a unifying force that brings different elements together, creating harmony and joy.
In this quote by Empedocles, love is depicted as a fundamental force that binds disparate elements into a cohesive whole, allowing for the emergence of joy and peace in human experience. The contrast between love and strife highlights how love fosters unity and connection, while strife leads to disintegration and separation, emphasizing the importance of love in both the cosmos and within individuals.
Themes
LoveUnityPeaceJoyHarmonyStrife
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire discussions about the power of love in bringing people together during a wedding speech.
More from Empedocles
All quotes →At one time through love all things come together into one, at another time through strife s hatred, they are borne each of them apart.
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For before this I was born once a boy, and a maiden, and a plant, and a bird, and a darting fish in the sea.
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