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Full Idea
Since something rather than nothing exists, there is a certain urge for existence, or (so to speak) a straining toward existence in possible things or in possibility or essence itself; in a word, essence in and of itself strives for existence.
Gist of Idea
There must be a straining towards existence in the essence of all possible things
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (On the Ultimate Origination of Things [1697], p.150)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.150
A Reaction
Thus 'essence precedes existence'. Not sure I understand this, but at least it places an active power at the root of everything (though Leibniz probably sees that as divine). The Big Bang triggered by a 'quantum fluctuation'?
| 7696 | Leibniz first asked 'why is there something rather than nothing?' [Leibniz, by Jacquette] |
| 5047 | The world is physically necessary, as its contrary would imply imperfection or moral absurdity [Leibniz] |
| 19343 | We follow the practical rule which always seeks maximum effect for minimum cost [Leibniz] |
| 19341 | There must be a straining towards existence in the essence of all possible things [Leibniz] |
| 19336 | Wisdom involves the desire to achieve perfection [Leibniz] |
| 19428 | Because something does exist, there must be a drive in possible things towards existence [Leibniz] |
| 19429 | The principle of determination in things obtains the greatest effect with the least effort [Leibniz] |