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Full Idea
There is always in things a principle of determination which is based on consideration of maximum and minimum, such that the greatest effect is obtained with the least, so to speak, expenditure.
Gist of Idea
The principle of determination in things obtains the greatest effect with the least effort
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
This is obvious in human endeavours. Leibniz applied it to physics, producing a principle that shortest paths are always employed. It has a different formal name in modern physics, I think. He says if you make an unrestricted triangle, it is equilateral.
| 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] |