Book IV
Heraclitus
Heraclitus saw a world in constant flux, yet believed a rational order—logos—underlies everything. The tension he observed was between human minds and this universal reason. While most Western traditions place humans at the center of understanding, Heraclitus suggests our constant discord with the universe stems from ignoring its inherent logic. His view contrasts sharply with Plato's later ideal forms, which imply a static perfection beyond our imperfect world.