Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- List of abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chronology
- Further reading
- Note on the text
- Dialogues on Metaphysics and on Religion
- Dialogue I
- Dialogue II
- Dialogue III
- Dialogue IV
- Dialogue V
- Dialogue VI
- Dialogue VII
- Dialogue VIII
- Dialogue IX
- Dialogue X
- Dialogue XI
- Dialogue XII
- Dialogue XIII
- Dialogue XIV
- Index
- Cambridge texts in the history of philosophy
Dialogue II
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- List of abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chronology
- Further reading
- Note on the text
- Dialogues on Metaphysics and on Religion
- Dialogue I
- Dialogue II
- Dialogue III
- Dialogue IV
- Dialogue V
- Dialogue VI
- Dialogue VII
- Dialogue VIII
- Dialogue IX
- Dialogue X
- Dialogue XI
- Dialogue XII
- Dialogue XIII
- Dialogue XIV
- Index
- Cambridge texts in the history of philosophy
Summary
The Existence of God
We can see all things in Him, and nothing finite can represent Him. Thus, it is sufficient to think of Him to know that He exists.
THEODORE. Well, Aristes, what do you think of that intelligible world to which I led you yesterday? Is your imagination no longer frightened by it? Does your mind proceed with a firm and confident gait in that land of meditators, in that region inaccessible to those who listen only to their senses?
ARISTES. What a beautiful spectacle the archetype of the universe is, Theodore! I have contemplated it with extreme satisfaction. What a pleasant surprise it is that the soul, without suffering death, is transported to the land of truth where it discovers an abundance to nourish it. It is true that I am still not quite accustomed to this celestial manna, to this entirely spiritual nourishment. At certain moments it seems very thin and light to me. But when I savor it attentively I find it has so much flavor and solidity that I can no longer bring myself to go to graze with the beasts on material ground.
THEODORE. Oh, my dear Aristes, what are you saying to me? Are you speaking seriously?
ARISTES. Quite seriously. No, I no longer want to listen to my senses. I wish always to enter into the most secret part of myself, and to live on the abundance I find there.
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- Malebranche: Dialogues on Metaphysics and on Religion , pp. 19 - 30Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1997