--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: God should not be called an individual…" description: "\"God should not be called an individual substance, since the principle of individuation is matter.\" — Thomas Aquinas" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/thomas-aquinas-837_individual_god-should-not-be-called-an-individual-s_2922346.jpg" --- # God should not be called an individual substance, since… ![“God should not be called an individual substance, since the principle of individuation is matter.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/thomas-aquinas-837_individual_god-should-not-be-called-an-individual-s_2922346.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/thomas-aquinas-837_individual_god-should-not-be-called-an-individual-s_2922346.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/thomas-aquinas-837_individual_god-should-not-be-called-an-individual-s_2922346.jpg) > “God should not be called an individual substance, since the principle of individuation is matter.” [Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-aquinas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Matter is the underlying substrate that gives rise to individual entities, not a separate substance. **In simple terms:** Individuality comes from matter, not a distinct essence. Key Takeaway Recognize material basis of individuality. Themes philosophy metaphysics identity Mood contemplative analytical Type theoretical academic When to use this quote - theology debates - philosophical lectures - academic writing Key Concepts substance theory principle of individuation Questions to Reflect On - How does matter shape personal identity? - Can individuality exist without material form? A Different Perspective May overlook non-material aspects of identity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Individual Substance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual-substance-1681331/) [Individuation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individuation/) [Individuation Matter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individuation-matter-1681330/) [Infinite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infinite/) [Matter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/matter/) [Principal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principal/) [Principle Individuation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-individuation-1044516/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Substance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/substance/) [Substance Principle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/substance-principle-2266050/) ## Related quotes > [God should not be called an individual substance, since the principal of individuation is matter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-aquinas/god-should-not-be-called-an-individual-substance-since-the-principal/) [Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-aquinas/) > [To trace the development of mind from earliest times ... requires ... not a categorical concept, but a functional one… The most promising operational…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanne-katherina-langer/to-trace-the-development-of-mind-from-earliest-times-requires-not-a-2/) [Susanne Katherina Langer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susanne-katherina-langer/) > [“To trace the development of mind from earliest times...requires...not a categorical concept, but a functional one… The most promising operational principle for this purpose…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanne-k-langer/to-trace-the-development-of-mind-from-earliest-times-requires-not-a/) [Susanne K. 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