Being taken simply, as including all perfection of being…
““Being taken simply, as including all perfection of being, surpasses life and all that follows it; for thus being itself includes all these. And in this sense Dionysius speaks. But if we consider being itself as participated in this or that thing, which does not possess the whole perfection of being, but has imperfect being, such as the being of any creature; then it is evident that being itself together with an additional perfection is more excellent. Hence in the same passage Dionysius says that things that live are better than things that exist, and intelligent better than living things. Reply Obj. 3: Since the end corresponds to the beginning; this argument proves that the last end is the first beginning of being, in Whom every perfection of being is: Whose likeness, according to their proportion, some desire as to being only, some as to living being, some as to being which is living, intelligent and happy. And this belongs to few.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Being, when combined with higher perfections, is superior to mere existence; living and intelligent beings are progressively better.
In simple terms: Higher perfection makes being better than just existing.
Key Takeaway
Pursue growth toward higher perfections.
Themes
philosophy
theology
ontology
Mood
contemplative
aspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- studying philosophy
- cultivating virtues
- seeking wisdom
- engaging in reflective prayer
Key Concepts
perfection hierarchy
intellectual development
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “higher perfection” mean to you?
- How can you embody it daily?
A Different Perspective
Human understanding may limit grasp of ultimate perfection.