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Elements of Theology, Proposition 43
Dec. 18th, 2024 07:25 am Every thing which is able to return to itself is self-subsistent.
COMMENTARY
This is the straightforward corollary to the previous proposition. We're still discussing the Henads, the Unities or Gods. These are self-subsistent, meaning they are their own cause, and they return to themselves, because they are themselves the source of their own good. Last time we learned that self-subsistent things are converted, or return, to themselves; this time we learn that things that return to themselves are self-subsistent. This is the process of "epistrophe" or reversion, the third term in the triad Mone-Prohodos-Epistrophe, or Abiding-Proceeding-Returning, which, as we have seen, underlies the whole of Neoplatonic metaphysics.
For if it returns to itself according to nature, it is perfect in the conversion to itself, and will possess essence from itself. For from every thing to which there is a return according to nature, there is equally a progression according to essence. If, therefore, it imparts well-being to itself, it will likewise undoubtedly impart being to itself, and will be the lord of its own hypostasis or nature. Hence that which is able to revert to itself is self-subsistent.
COMMENTARY
This is the straightforward corollary to the previous proposition. We're still discussing the Henads, the Unities or Gods. These are self-subsistent, meaning they are their own cause, and they return to themselves, because they are themselves the source of their own good. Last time we learned that self-subsistent things are converted, or return, to themselves; this time we learn that things that return to themselves are self-subsistent. This is the process of "epistrophe" or reversion, the third term in the triad Mone-Prohodos-Epistrophe, or Abiding-Proceeding-Returning, which, as we have seen, underlies the whole of Neoplatonic metaphysics.
