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Single Idea 19402

[from 'Exigency to Exist in Essences' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 10. Modality / E. Possible worlds / 1. Possible Worlds / a. Possible worlds ]

Full Idea

The actual universe is the collection of the possibles which forms the richest composite.

Gist of Idea

The actual universe is the richest composite of what is possible

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Exigency to Exist in Essences [1690], p.92)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.92


A Reaction

'Richest' for Leibniz means a maximum combination of existence, order and variety. It's rather like picking the best starting team from a squad of footballers.