The Final Separation

Abstract

Empedocles, the Greek philosopher, believed that one of the main principals of existence is the tension between love and strife (hate). When love rules all the elements are drawn together into a solid substance with no movement or distinction. When hate or strife rule all the elements separate into the smallest atoms and fly away from each other like dust. Neither of these options is conducive to life. According to Empedocles life depends on maintaining the tension between love and hate, between unification and separation. ‘Birth is when we are snatched by strife and borne into this world of plurality’ (Kirk and Raven, 1957, pp. 356–7).