Single Idea 17177

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 6. Early Matter Theories / c. Ultimate substances]

Full Idea

In nature only one substance exists, and it is absolutely infinite.

Gist of Idea

In nature there is just one infinite substance

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], I Pr 10)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.10


A Reaction

This seems to render the concept of 'substance' redundant, since all the interest is now in the attributes (or whatever) of this one substance, and we must work to discount the appearance of there being numerous substances (e.g. you and me).

Related Idea

Idea 17176 The more reality a thing has, the more attributes it has [Spinoza]