For more than 2000 years, nature has been perceived in the light of the doctrine of the four elements - fire, water, earth, air. In a culturally and historically comprehensive study, the authors show how the doctrine of the elements, as a cosmic pattern of order, provided guidance in the various areas of life. It was of formative power for art history and language, especially the language of emotions. The emergence of modern natural science meant the end of the element theory. Today, however, the authors observe a return of the elements under the sign of ecology: the right moment to reflect on their history.