Full Idea
It must be true, quite generally, that not everything can be proven, on pain of an infinite regress.
Clarification
An 'infinite regress' would be a proof that never came to an end
Gist of Idea
Not everything can be proven, because that would lead to an infinite regress
Source
Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1006a09)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.89
A Reaction
Compare Idea 1672, where the possibility of a circular set of mutual proofs is considered. Aristotle seems committed to the present idea.
Related Ideas
Idea 1672 Maybe everything could be demonstrated, if demonstration can be reciprocal or circular [Aristotle]
Idea 12937 We shouldn't just accept Euclid's axioms, but try to demonstrate them [Leibniz]