To understand Heraclitus' view of the psyche , it is perhaps best to begin by simply presenting what he is held to have said with respect to it. For psyches it is death to become water, and for water death to become earth. Water comes into existence out of earth, and psyche out of water. We live their death and they live our death. It is difficult to fight thumos , for whatever it wishes it buys at the price of psyche .
Psyche possesses a logos which increases itself.
A dry psyche is wisest and best. This would imply that, if psyches were thought to be made of one of the basic elements, they are likely made of fire. As fire is extinguished by water, so can the psyche . There is some dispute about this, however. One is reminded here of Anaximenes' belief that water is just compressed air.