Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya
As Upaniṣads, Greek philosophers also accept one substance in the context of the prime constituent in the creation of the universe. According to the Greek philosopher Thales, only water existed in the beginning of the universe.[1] This principle of Thales is similar to the expression of Bṛhadāraṇyaka, where water has been accepted as the main cause of the creation of universe.
According to Anaximander, 'boundless something' is the root cause for the creation of the universe which was spread in the whole cosmos. He entitles this element by the term 'God', though it is clear that his idea of 'God' is a kind of physical entity.[2] According to Anaximenes, the beginning and end of all the things is air.[3] Pythagoras declared that whatever exists exist in numbers.[4] He deems numbers as prime element. Heraclitus accepts 'process' as existent and fire as a symbol of this process.[5] All these philosophers hold one main element as the prime cause of the universe. Their view-points are similar to that of the materialist monists.
Thales would have regarded water, the principle of all dampness as the primary element.
Masih. Y, A Critical History of Western Philosophy, (Delhi, 1999), p. 5.
However for him primary matter was 'boundless something'... Anaximander calls his infinite boundless matter 'God'...This God no doubt is matter.
Gomperz, Theodar, Greek Thinkers, Vol. I, p.56.
He substituted air for water as the primary principle which engendered.
Masih. Y, A Critical History of Western Philosophy, p. 7.
Pythagoras declared that whatever exists, exists in number.
