Empedocles (c. 494 – 434 BCE) was a Greek philosopher, poet, and scientist, best known for introducing the theory of the four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire. His work influenced later thinkers, including Aristotle and the Stoics.
Born in Akragas, Sicily, he belonged to a noble family and was known for both his scientific ideas and mystical beliefs. He challenged traditional religious practices, opposing animal sacrifices and advocating vegetarianism. His belief in reincarnation suggested that souls could pass between humans, animals, and plants.
Empedocles viewed the universe as governed by two opposing forces: Love (which unites elements) and Strife (which separates them). His ideas sought to explain natural processes, from respiration and perception to cosmic cycles. He was one of the last philosophers to write in verse, making his teachings accessible to wider audiences.
Legends about his death claim he threw himself into Mount Etna, believing he would be reborn as a god. His influence endured, shaping early scientific thought and the Western philosophical tradition. His poetic works survive in fragments, offering insights into pre-Socratic philosophy and metaphysics.