Single Idea 18521

[catalogued under 7. Existence / A. Nature of Existence / 6. Criterion for Existence]

Full Idea

The possibility of action ...is the criterion of existence, and the test of substantiality.

Gist of Idea

The criterion of existence is the possibility of action

Source

George Santayana (The Realm of Matter [1930], p.107), quoted by John Heil - The Universe as We Find It

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'The Universe as We Find It' [OUP 2012], p.53


A Reaction

I rather like this. I think I would say the power is the criterion of existence.