What phrase is often attributed to Heraclitus regarding change?

The phrase often attributed to Heraclitus, "You can never step into the same river twice," encapsulates his philosophy regarding the nature of change and the ever-flowing nature of life. This statement reflects Heraclitus’s belief that everything is in a constant state of flux and that even the most familiar elements of our experience are subject to transformation. When one steps into a river, the water is perpetually flowing, meaning that the water you encounter the first time is not the same water present when you step in again.

This perspective highlights the idea that change is an intrinsic and inevitable aspect of existence. Heraclitus used this metaphor to illustrate that just as the river is continually changing, so too are all aspects of reality—emphasizing that stability is an illusion. The other choices do not align with Heraclitus's views; they either promote ideas of stasis or uniformity, which contradict his fundamental principle that change is a constant in the universe. Thus, the chosen phrase is not only attributed to him but also succinctly captures his philosophical stance on the dynamic nature of reality.