Single Idea 21869

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 10. Conatus/Striving]

Full Idea

The force by which a man perserveres in existing is limited, and infinitely surpassed by the power of external causes.

Gist of Idea

Our own force of persevering is nothing in comparison with external forces

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IV Pr 03)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics', ed/tr. Curley,Edwin [Penguin 1996], p.118


A Reaction

This states the obvious, but is important as a way of viewing things. I think Nietzsche's notion of Will to Power comes in here, as a unified account of both forces.