Abstract

On the theme of “the elemental,” this paper delves into the element of water. Specifically, the paper interprets the statement inaugurating philosophy, Thales’ claim that everything is water. This is seen not as any sort of atomism and not as opposed to mythology. Instead, it is a claim expressing what the myths themselves are trying to say: there is a mystery to the presence of things, their unconcealment is bestowed on them from a hidden source. This paper shows that Socrates and Heidegger make a similar claim, and so, by generalizing from these three preeminent philosophers, the basic outlook of philosophy as such crystallizes in the view that everything is water.