Single Idea 17187

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 6. Essence as Unifier]

Full Idea

To the essence of anything pertains ...that without which the thing can neither be nor be conceived, and which in its turn cannot be nor be conceived without the thing.

Gist of Idea

Essence gives existence and conception to things, and is inseparable from them

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Def 2)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. White,WH/Stirling,AH [Wordsworth 2001], p.45


A Reaction

Note that essence concerns not only what things are, but also our ability to conceive them.