Absence Quote by Plato
![“Wherefore also these Kinds [elements] occupied different places even before the universe was organised and generated out of them. Before that time, in truth, all these were in a state devoid of reason or measure, but when the work of setting in order this Universe was being undertaken, fire and…” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ce/plato-103_absence_wherefore-also-these-kinds-elements-occu_2651162.jpg)
“Wherefore also these Kinds [elements] occupied different places even before the universe was organised and generated out of them. Before that time, in truth, all these were in a state devoid of reason or measure, but when the work of setting in order this Universe was being undertaken, fire and water and earth and air, although possessing some traces of their known nature, were yet disposed as everything is likely to be in the absence of God; and inasmuch as this was then their natural condition, God began by first marking them out into shapes by means of forms and numbers.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Timaeus, 4th century BC
Plato describes the elements existing in a chaotic, unmeasured state before a divine order imposed shape and numerical structure upon them.
In simple terms: Elements were chaotic until God organized them with shape and number.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of order in shaping reality.
Themes
cosmology
order
divine
philosophy
metaphysics
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific inquiry
- architectural design
- software engineering
- urban planning
- personal organization
Key Concepts
Platonism
natural philosophy
ontology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imposing structure affect our understanding of nature?
- Can order arise without a divine agent?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a deity, which may not align with secular or materialist perspectives.
