Mesopotamian Philosophy

In my religion class, "What Does the Bible Really Say" the professor brought up philosophers that we discussed in class such as, Thales, Anaximenes, and Heraclitus. We were learning about ancient Mesopotamian stories that are related to various bible stories. One story that we learned about was Enki and Ninmah. Enki was the god or representation of babbling brooks, and sweet water. Enki was part of the famous three gods that each represented specific elements. Anu was the god of the Sky, Enlil was the god of storms, and Enki was water. The professor then mentioned the philosophers that lived in present day Turkey. People have been searching and trying to connect elements of diversity that are found in nature. Our book, "From Plato to Derrida" reveals that "subsequent thinkers, such as Anaximenes, sought not only to find this one common element, but also to find the process by which one form changes into another. These ancient Mesopotamian stories attempt to do the same things. The gods that represented specific elements such as water relates to Thales philosophy. Arche represents water, all is one thing/ unity. Water runs through everything and can take the form of anything, that's why Thales saw it as a unifying force in the universe. The story of Enki who loved humanity and people represents water. He was one of the gods who created the world. Anaximenes, arche is air. Heraclitus, arche was fire and logos. These philosophers share specific elements and ideas surrounding Mesopotamian ideals. People from all backgrounds have tried to connect natural elements to the origin of the world and life. I was surprised that my philosophy class and religion class shared common beliefs and knowledge. I'm glad that this philosophy course is useful in my other classes.