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Single Idea 616

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / e. The One ]

Full Idea

Nor is it a sufficient explanation of the world to say just that all things were originally together. For things differ in matter. Indeed, why otherwise did an infinity of things come-to-be, and not just one?

Gist of Idea

It doesn't explain the world to say it was originally all one. How did it acquire diversity?

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1069b25)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.358