Greek original · Nature
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι φιλεῖ
Physis kryptesthai philei
“Nature loves to hide.”
Heraclitus, fragment B123
Meaning
What does “Physis kryptesthai philei” mean?
The true nature of things is not obvious: it has to be discovered with patience and insight.
Origin
The story behind it
Like most of Heraclitus’ sayings, this survives only because later authors quoted it. It has inspired philosophers and scientists ever since.
Greek and Latin
From Greek to Latin
The Greek originalΦύσις κρύπτεσθαι φιλεῖ
Physis kryptesthai philei
In Latin
There is no standard classical Latin version.
Pronunciation
How to say it
Roughly FOO-sis KROOP-tes-thai fee-LAY.
When to use it
How to use it today
A poetic line for scientists, nature photographers and garden designers.
- Greek
- Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι φιλεῖ
- Transliteration
- Physis kryptesthai philei
- English
- Nature loves to hide.
- Source
- Heraclitus, fragment B123
One Latin line. Every Monday.
A quote, its translation and the story behind it, free in your inbox.