more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
We can now show from the inner truths of metaphysics that what is not active is nothing.
Gist of Idea
What is not active is nothing
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (True Method in Philosophy and Theology [1686], p.64)
Book Ref
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.64
A Reaction
This is Leibniz's rebellion against the Cartesian idea that all that matters for natural existence is spatial extension. I agree (tentatively) with Leibniz's vision of nature here. Modern physics reveals a seething turmoil beneath the placid exterior.
Related Idea
Idea 13399 Examples show that ordinary proper names are not rigid designators [Jubien]