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


Single Idea 18456

[filed under theme 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature ]

Full Idea

By its identity and numerical unity, real existence is neither great nor small, neither very large nor very small, though it causes even greatest and smallest to participate in its nature.

Gist of Idea

Unified real existence is neither great nor small, though greatness and smallness participate in it

Source

Porphyry (Launching Points to the Realm of the Mind [c.280], 6Enn4 37(5))

Book Ref

Porphyry: 'Launching Points to the Realm of the Mind', ed/tr. Guthrie,Kenneth [Phanes 1988], p.58


A Reaction

Note the platonic word 'participate' [metechein], suggesting that he is talking about the Form of Existence here. Note also that we have 'real' existence here, implying a lesser type of existence that participates in it.

Related Idea

Idea 11345 Metechein: partaking, sharing [PG]