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; |