Single Idea 20812

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / a. Final purpose]

Full Idea

Just as the cover was made for the sake of the shield, and the sheath for the sword, in the same way everything else except the cosmos was made for the sake of other things.

Gist of Idea

Covers are for shields, and sheaths for swords; likewise, all in the cosmos is for some other thing

Source

Chrysippus (fragments/reports [c.240 BCE]), quoted by M. Tullius Cicero - On the Nature of the Gods ('De natura deorum') 2.37

Book Reference

'The Stoics Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B/Gerson,L.P. [Hackett 2008], p.66


A Reaction

Chrysippus was wise to stop at the cosmos. Similarly, religious teleology had better not ask about the purpose of God. What does he think pebbles are for? Nature is the source of stoic value, so it needs to be purposeful.