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Single Idea 1696

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / A. Classical Physics / 2. Thermodynamics / d. Entropy]

Full Idea

Change occurs from possession to privation, but from privation to possession is impossible; one who has gone blind does not recover sight nor does a bald man regain his hair nor does a toothless man grow new ones.

Gist of Idea

Change goes from possession to loss (as in baldness), but not the other way round

Source

Aristotle (Categories [c.331 BCE], 13a35)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Categories and De Interpretatione', ed/tr. Ackrill,J.R. [OUP 1963], p.36


A Reaction

Although this seems like an insight into entropy, it isn't an accurate observation, since trees lose their leaves, and then regain them in spring. Maybe somewhere men regrow their hair each spring.