more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 5041

[filed under theme 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 3. Divine Perfections ]

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.