Which philosopher's teachings emphasized the prime substance as fire?

Heraclitus is recognized for his belief that fire is the fundamental substance of the universe. He famously asserted that "everything flows" (panta rhei) and emphasized the ever-changing nature of reality, with fire symbolizing transformation and constant change. Heraclitus viewed fire as a primary element because it exemplified the dynamic state of existence, capturing the essence of change, motion, and the interconnectedness of all things.

In contrast, other philosophers proposed different elements as primary substances. For example, Thales of Miletus believed that water was the fundamental principle of all things, while Democritus introduced the concept of atoms as the building blocks of matter, and Pythagoras emphasized numbers and mathematical relationships as the underlying principles of reality. Heraclitus' focus on fire highlights his unique philosophical perspective on the nature of existence and the importance of change.