Changing (vs. static)

Is the world a vortex of change? Of special interest to ancient philosophers, this belief concerns the extent to which the world is defined by flux. It is not meant to imply that change is better or worse than staying the same but just that the natural state of all things is to not stay the same for long. The opposite is not the belief that nothing changes but that nothing of much importance ever changes.

All things are in flux.

— Heraclitus, circa 500 B.C.E.

Changing is one of the few primals that don’t relate to Good, Safe, Enticing, or Alive. So far, we have found that Changing is also one of the rare primals that are not predictive of any particular behavior or thought process. This is somewhat ironic since it was the primal most thoroughly debated in antiquity. However, more work remains to be done.

If you’re a nerd like us and are interested in learning more about the historical roots of this belief dating back to some of the earliest philosophers, check out one of Jer’s favorite papers here.

What exists is uncreated and imperishable for it is whole and unchanging.

— Parmenides, circa 500 B.C.E.