Context

Here's the thing: even though this quote is attributed to Heraclitus, we only know it through Plato. And to top it off? Plato quotes it in a bunch of different ways—and, of course, the English translation always varies—so it's hard to know what the original line actually said.

Still, the main idea is always the same: rivers are always moving.

As soon as you put one foot in a river, your second step will be placed in a very different bucket o' water. And, of course, he's talking about more than just rivers; in fact, he's probably talking about everything. Everything changes…that's the only constant.

Where you've heard it

Ever been river fording and had a sudden epiphany?

Yeah, we haven't either.

But if you've ever thought about how the universe is constantly changing, you've heard this saying in some form. You may have also seen it on some deep colleague's desk for inspiration.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Let's get this straight. We're looking at a philosophical quote from an ancient Greek philosopher whose texts don't even exist except as quoted by other ancient Greek philosophers? Oh, and it's a metaphor?

Yeah…good luck with this one.