Once literacy is widespread and ideas are flowing, literature gains importance as a mechanism for spreading philosophies. This is evident by the numerous writings from Greek philosophers which survived to influence creative thinking for centuries. One text which particularly demonstrates the creative environment of the time is Aristotle’s Physics, composed in the fourth century BC. This particular work explains the basis of natural philosophy, which eventually developed into the scientific method. Although our knowledge has progressed past the understanding of the Ancient Greeks, the elements of causation which form the basis of exploratory science are essential to learning. It also goes a step beyond the normal scientific method by exploring the ultimate purpose in an object's existence, leading to greater progress and discovery. This demonstrates the secular side of learning involving deconstruction. Aristotle’s premise states that by looking beyond the object as a whole, to its purpose and components, we learn more about the object. Therefore, as we break an idea into its components and discover their purpose, we are able to gain greater knowledge.
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