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Full Idea
We can regard it as certain that everything is done by God in the most perfect way, that he does nothing which is contrary to reason.
Gist of Idea
God does everything in a perfect way, and never acts contrary to reason
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (On Freedom [1689], p.109)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.109
A Reaction
The famous optimism which Voltaire laughed at in 'Candide'. I can't help thinking that there is an ideal of God being ABOVE reason. We reason, and give reasons, because we are unsure, and life is a struggle. The highest ideal is mystically self-evident.
| 5039 | If non-existents are possible, their existence would replace what now exists, which cannot therefore be necessary [Leibniz] |
| 5040 | Necessary truths can be analysed into original truths; contingent truths are infinitely analysable [Leibniz] |
| 5041 | God does everything in a perfect way, and never acts contrary to reason [Leibniz] |
| 13159 | Only God sees contingent truths a priori [Leibniz] |