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| Paragraph 1 |
But evidently there is a first principle, and the causes of things
are neither an infinite series nor infinitely various in kind. |
| Paragraph 2 |
Nor can there be an infinite process downwards, with a beginning
in the upward direction, so that water should proceed from fire, earth
from water, and so always some other kind should be produced. |
| Paragraph 3 |
At the same time it is impossible that the first cause, being eternal,
should be destroyed; |
| Paragraph 4 |
Further, the final cause is an end, and that sort of end which is
not for the sake of something else, but for whose sake everything
else is; |
| Paragraph 5 |
But the essence, also, cannot be reduced to another definition which
is fuller in expression. |
| Paragraph 6 |
But if the kinds of causes had been infinite in number, then also
knowledge would have been impossible; |