

Elementary: Empedocles and the Secret History of the Elements
12 snips Jan 23, 2018
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Philosophy As A Way Of Life
- Empedocles blends philosophy, natural science, and religion into a single unified practice.
- Brad Inwood emphasizes you cannot separate his scientific and religious thought cleanly.
Legendary Tales About Empedocles
- Diogenes Laertius preserves colourful stories about Empedocles' life and dramatic death.
- Tales include controlling winds, trance-healing women, and plunging into Mount Etna then returning alive.
Self-Presentation As A Living God
- Empedocles presents himself in the poem as a deathless god revered by crowds who seek healing and divination.
- He claims to deliver healing oracles and people follow him in their ten thousands.