Skip to content

Beginning Quote by Nicholas of Cusa

“There are not many beginnings but there is a single Beginning, prior to multitude. But if you were to say that the beginnings are plural apart from their partaking of the One, that statement would self-destruct. For, surely, these plural beginnings would be both alike, by virtue of their not…” quote by Nicholas of Cusa
Download Open image
“There are not many beginnings but there is a single Beginning, prior to multitude. But if you were to say that the beginnings are plural apart from their partaking of the One, that statement would self-destruct. For, surely, these plural beginnings would be both alike, by virtue of their not partaking of the One, and not alike, by virtue of their not partaking of the One.”

Nicholas of Cusa

About This Quote

The text argues that while many beginnings appear, they all stem from a single ultimate source; plural beginnings cannot be truly distinct because they share that source.

In simple terms: All beginnings trace back to one source; they aren’t truly separate.

Key Takeaway

Multiplicity arises from a singular origin.

Themes

philosophy ontology unity

Mood

thoughtful abstract

Type

philosophical treatise theological

When to use this quote

  • theoretical debates
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

metaphysics theology

Practical Applications

  • use this view to reconcile diverse perspectives

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recognizing a single origin affect your worldview?
  • Can diversity exist without a common source?
A Different Perspective

Some traditions treat beginnings as independent events.

2.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Nicholas of Cusa

Explore all 47 Nicholas of Cusa quotes

More Beginning quotes

Browse all 3,568 Beginning quotes