I emphasize the need to interpret the world view expressed in the Greek mythology. I think that C. G. Jung’s theory of archetypes can by used to interpret it. I show some similarities between Greek gods and archetypes of Jung. There is also a similarity between the goal of human development assumed in the mythological wisdom and the goal of the psychological process of individuation in the analytical psychology. These similarities let us understand some aspects of Greek myths although it must be admitted this understanding is not exhaustive or the only one possible.
Sayings Thales preserved in the writings of Aristotle, who relies on the tradition. Noteworthy is the fact that Aristotle did not mention any work of Thales, and when he examines his views, based as he says on the tradition. Kirk and Raven extensively analyzing the writings of Thales did not come to no decision, saying that existed in the ancient belief that all of the seven sages laid the rather maxims, which makes it very difficult test. It's likely that there were some advice Thales for sailors in written form, but it is unclear whether he wrote them himself or someone else. It is also difficult to decide what meaning would the existence of a guide for sailors by the Thales for its cosmological views, it is difficult to suppose that someone taught his metaphysical views in a work of this kind. Seneca, Plutarch, Diogenes, Cicero essentially repeated the words of Aristotle does not provide anything new.
In this article the author presents the idea of Heraclitus’ ekpyrosis. It is based on the work of other philosophers, because the orginal writings of Heraclitus have never been found.
I show the main mechanisms that led to victory rational thinking over mythology and religion in ancient Greece. I carry out far reaching analogies between the situation in ancient Greece between the eighth and sixth centuries BC and the situation in the Western world within the last several dozen of years. I have noticed similarities in changes concerning mentality, rationality, and keeping a distance from religion.
The atoms of Democritus keep properties similar to the soul because they possess the ability for spontaneous movement. Simplikios wrote that “atoms move in all directions”. In accordance with Greek ideas only the soul has the ability for spontaneous movement. Krokiewicz shows why “atomism - despite its genius – did not gain the acknowledgement among Hellenic thinkers”. Like the body, the human soul is composed of atoms which are subject to the physical necessity. A human being in accordance with his own nature can influence atoms of which body and soul are each composed. He can either make an order among these atoms, or a chaos. Atoms serve Democritus as the support for integrating the human reason with the ratio-nality of the world. They are also the basis for theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of the world.
There are both religious symbols and wisdom metaphors in Dao De Jing by Laozi. They suggest that the ultimate reality is above the human intellect. The most important metaphor is Dao – “Way”. The metaphor of “the mother” of the world plays a very important role. This metaphor suggests that wisdom consists in penetrating the source of all being. The metaphor of the “Heaven Gates”, which indicates the transition from common sense to the supernatural. The metaphor of “the child” suggests that wisdom is not about accumulating knowledge, but on spiritual integration. The metaphor of yin, or metaphysical femininity, plays a very important role.
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