Alchemy & philosophy · 12 June 2026 · Charlotte Himsworth
Empedocles: Four Roots, Love and Strife
The philosopher who named the four elements also named the forces that move them.
Empedocles of Akragas, in Sicily, lived in the fifth century BCE. He is remembered for naming four “roots” of all things: earth, water, air and fire.
Love and Strife
Empedocles also described two great forces: Love, which draws things together, and Strife, which pulls them apart. The world, he taught, moves in cycles between them.
An ancient Polarity
His vision is a striking forerunner of the Principle of Polarity: two forces at opposite ends of one line, both necessary. Without some separation there is no individuality; without love there is no unity.
In our own lives
We know both forces well. Seasons of closeness and seasons of distance, gathering and letting go. Wisdom lies in recognising which is at work, and bringing a little more love where it is needed.
A practice
Ask: “Where in my life is Strife at work right now, and where could I bring a little more Love?” Choose one gentle act of reconnection.