In this article we will reflect on the Stoic notion of “world fire”. What does it mean and how can pondering about it be beneficial for us?
Early Stoic philosophers were prominent theoretical thinkers and they covered many subjects with their philosophy. They asked metaphysical questions about the nature of the universe, questions about the value of “good” and “bad” (ethics), and questions on the foundation of our knowledge (epistemology and logic).
Each of these seemingly unrelated subjects were connected with one another; for example, Stoic ethics was both intellectual and naturalistic, in relation to their metaphysical and epistemological ideas. They thought the only way to become virtuous was to live mindfully and according to nature.
Stoics also saw reason as the ultimate personal and universal entity, because if parts (individuals) possess reason (mind), it is valid to conclude that the whole must have the same quality. In other words, minds can’t exist from nothing. The phrase “nothing comes from nothing” reflects the Stoics’ understanding of nature. The universe wasn’t created; it was always here and it will always be here, but it is constantly changing. There are no absolute beginnings and ends. We can understand Stoic nature as an eternal cycle of motion and change.
This is where the idea of a world fire comes into the discussion. The world fire was one of the first Stoic cosmological notions. Ee will see shortly why this notion was so important to Stoics and what the practical implications are.
World Fire
Do you ever imagine the end of the world? In most cases, we imagine the end of our world as the absolute end of all things, including space and time. This event is usually imagined in a form of violent destruction that leads to the utter end. However, our fantasies are far away from the Stoic concept of world fire. In the best case scenario, Stoics would think of our imagination as silly and illogical. So, what did Stoics think about the end of all ends?
In answer, they would outright deny it. According to Stoics, nothing can be utterly destroyed. Where would the parts go, or the parts of those parts? Their logic simply didn’t allow for this kind of thinking. Even in the case of total devastating destruction, every part of matter would still remain in the universe in some form.
But what about destruction? Well, destruction is simply our word to describe a change that we consider violent. But we won’t talk about the “destruction” of autumn leaves; we find another word to use, even though this is the same form of decay we dread in relation to humans.
To describe the ultimate change of the universe, Stoics created the term “world fire”. In their idea, world fire is a major natural event in the universe that would redistribute all matter. We can think of it as the highest point of creation, followed by our idea of destruction. After one phase is over, a new natural cycle will begin. From the inert parts of matter, a God principle acts as an active energy that forms the new world, which holds a strong resemblance to the previous one. This raises the question regarding our place in this cycle of changes. What is our place in this universal process?
Stoics thought that a soul is also composed of matter. It is, however, a slightly different matter that can’t be perceived by our senses. After death, the soul leaves the body and becomes a personless entity in the form of pure activity. Stoics believed our souls are actually fragments of God’s active energy. After death, all souls travel back to the center of the universe to become one with its creator. The souls merge with the God principle and, after the culmination point is reached, God releases these fragments back to the world.
On arrival, the souls inhibit other bodies and the cycle of life continues. This metaphysical theory provides us with an explanation to why Stoics didn’t fear death. For them, death is only a change.
“Never say about anything, “I have lost it,” but only “I have given it back.” Is your child dead? It has been given back. Is your wife dead? She has been returned.”
Epictetus
Meditation on World Fire
The theory of world fire can provide a feeling of tranquility; there is no judgement day, no fear of gods and eternal damnation. It simply offers a way to understand the natural process of the universe and our place in it.
Stoics are not trying to invoke fear within us in order to control our lives, nor are they promising us a better tomorrow in some cloudy afterlife. Stoics are merely influencing us to take action now, to enjoy life, to love, and to be a good person because it feels good and not because of some promised reward.
The most important part of this theory is that it cleanses our minds from negative affects, such as fear, grief and anxiety. Meditating on the concept of a world fire can cleanse us of fear, because even though we are not eternal, we know that we still belong in the universe with others. You can use this theory to help motivate yourself to do things that are worth your attention. Imagine that every day is a rebirth of the world; it is a new chance to do something good for yourself and others.
