more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 19429

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

Full Idea

There is always in things a principle of determination which is based on consideration of maximum and minimum, such that the greatest effect is obtained with the least, so to speak, expenditure.

Gist of Idea

The principle of determination in things obtains the greatest effect with the least effort

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On the Ultimate Origination of Things [1697], p.347)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.347


A Reaction

This is obvious in human endeavours. Leibniz applied it to physics, producing a principle that shortest paths are always employed. It has a different formal name in modern physics, I think. He says if you make an unrestricted triangle, it is equilateral.