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Full Idea
From the very fact that something exists rather than nothing, we recognise that there is in possible things, that is, in the very possibility or essence, a certain exigent need of existence, and, so to speak, some claim to existence.
Gist of Idea
Because something does exist, there must be a drive in possible things towards existence
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (On the Ultimate Origination of Things [1697], p.347)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.347
A Reaction
I love the fact that Leibniz tried to explain why there is something rather than nothing. Bede Rundle and Dale Jacquette are similar heroes. As Leibniz tells us, contradictions have no claim to existence, but non-contradictions do.
| 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] |