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Single Idea 2289

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 2. Divine Nature ]

Full Idea

I cannot think of anything aside from God alone to whose essence existence belongs, and I cannot conceive of two or more such Gods. I also perceive that God must be eternal, and have other perfect qualities.

Gist of Idea

Nothing apart from God could have essential existence, and such a being must be unique and eternal

Source

René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §5.68)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Discourse on Method/The Meditations', ed/tr. Sutcliffe,F.E. [Penguin 1968], p.147