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Source: Opera philosophica J. E. Erdmann (ed) p 145 Date: 15 June 1697 Translated from the Latin View this translation in PDF format (9k) Back to home page Search texts by keyword(s): (For search strings, just type the words; don't use quotation marks) |
LEIBNIZ TO MICHELANGELO FARDELLA[E p145] Many splendid things are discovered in the writings of Plato and Augustine, but which in themselves are not, I think, sufficiently understood, and from the attempt to do so more heat than light has been generated. Regarding the nature of monads and substances that you ask about again, I should think that I will easily be able to satisfy this, if you point out what it is about them that you would like to be explained. Regarding their origin, I think I have already established that all things are without doubt perpetual and do not begin except by creation, and are not able to perish except by annihilation, that is, they neither begin nor end naturally, which is the case with aggregates. I should wish to be allowed to see first what you will say about my opinions in your Augustinian work, which you plan to write. © Lloyd Strickland 2005 |