Composites Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“It must be understood that prime matter, and form as well, is neither generated nor corrupted, because every generation is from something to something. Now that from which generation proceeds is matter, and that to which it proceeds is form. So that, if matter or form were generated, there would be a matter for matter and a form for form, endlessly. Whence, there is generation only of the composite, properly speaking.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 2, Article 3
All material things consist of matter and form, which themselves are not created or destroyed; only their combinations change.
In simple terms: Matter and form are eternal, only composites change.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that change occurs in combinations, not in the basics.
Themes
philosophy
metaphysics
theology
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
reflective
When to use this quote
- scientific inquiry
- ethical debates
- personal growth
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
Aristotelian hylomorphism
causality
essence
existence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you see matter and form influencing change?
- Can we apply this view to social structures?
A Different Perspective
The concept may conflict with modern physics' view of particle creation and annihilation.
![“Whatever form it has, it [matter] will be disposed to receive another form; it never leaves off moving and casting off the form which it has in order to receive another. ...It is therefore clear that all corruption, destruction, or defect comes from matter.” quote by Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/116/maimonides-2639_casting_whatever-form-it-has-it-matter-will-be-d_1683499.jpg)
![“By the divine providence [animals] are intended for man's use... Hence it is not wrong for man to make use of them, either by killing or in any other way whatsoever.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f48/thomas-aquinas-837_animal_by-the-divine-providence-animals-are-int_112669.jpg)
![“There's very little in the substance of [THE LADY IN THE VAN] which is not fact though some adjustments have had to be made. Over the years Miss Shepherd was visited by a succession of social workers so the character in the play is a composite figure. . . . A composite too are the neighbours…” quote by Alan Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e7/alan-bennett-1922_adjustment_there-s-very-little-in-the-substance-of_239144.jpg)
