The theory of the four elements is very old and originates due to the observation of nature, the understanding of the cosmos where everything that exists coexists. Our ancestors have realized that a cycle of creation or destruction can be done with the four basic things of dependence in order to survive: the water to drink, the fire to warm up, the earth to eat and the air to breathe. If any of those four things were missing, the balance and cycle were broken, leading to death. Later Aristóteles added the fifth element or quintessence, which was neither earthly nor corruptible, it was spiritual. Awareness.
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