Empedocles

Empedocles (c. 495–435 BCE)

Empedocles introduced a system based on the four elements (earth, water, air, fire), driven by the forces of Love (unification) and Strife (separation). His elements echo the Pythagorean tetractys, where four principles arise from the interaction of simpler entities.

Pythagorean Influence

Empedocles likely drew on Pythagorean ideas, where his fourfold structure of elements resembles the Pythagorean use of the tetractys. His idea that Love and Strife interact to create harmony within the four elements parallels the Pythagorean idea of triads leading to a unifying fourth.