The other theory evoked the metaphysical principle of sympathy between similar objects. This was mediated by a purposeful life force that strove toward perfection. This theory can be found in the writings of Pliny the Elder and Aristotle, who claimed that Thales attributed a soul to the magnet.[1] In China, a similar life force, or qi, was believed to animate magnets, so the Chinese used early compasses for feng shui.[3]