Single Idea 7195

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied]

Full Idea

If the world process were directed towards a final state, that state would have been reached by now.

Gist of Idea

If the world aimed at an end, it would have reached it by now

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Writings from Late Notebooks [1887], 11[72])

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Writings from the Late Notebooks', ed/tr. Bittner,Rüdiger [CUP 2003], p.211


A Reaction

If advanced aliens existed, they would be here by now... I doubt if anyone now believes that the world has an end. However, strictly speaking, how could we possibly assess the time scale for such things?