The pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus described Polemos as "both the king and father of all", with the capacity to bring all into existence and to annihilate. For Heraclitus, Polemos "reveals the gods on the one hand and humans on the other, makes slaves on the one hand, the free on the other".
The pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus described Polemos as both the ruler and progenitor of all, with the power to create and destroy. For Heraclitus, Polemos "reveals the gods and humans, creates slaves and liberates others".