Previous Vol 6 - 12.3.2.56.0 Next
56. As for all the other things which are usually dwelt upon in inquiries and discussions—from what parents they have sprung, or by whom they are produced—we neither strive to know, [3788] nor care to inquire or examine: we leave all things to their own causes, and do not consider that they have been connected and associated with that which we desire should befall us. [3789] For what is there which men of ability do not dare to overthrow, to destroy, [3790] from love of contradiction, although that which they attempt to invalidate is unobjectionable [3791] and manifest, and evidently bears the stamp of truth? Or what, again, can they not maintain with plausible arguments, although it may be very manifestly untrue, although it may be a plain and evident falsehood? For when a man has persuaded himself that there is or is not something, he likes to affirm what he thinks, and to show greater subtlety than others, especially if the subject discussed is out of the ordinary track, and by nature abstruse and obscure. [3792] Some of the wise think that the world was not created, and will never perish; [3793] some that it is immortal, although they say that it was created and made; [3794] while a third party have chosen to say that it both was created and made, and will perish as other things must. [3795] And while of these three opinions one only must be true, they nevertheless all find arguments by which at once to uphold their own doctrines, and undermine and overthrow the dogmas of others. Some teach and declare that this same world is composed of four elements, others of two, [3796] a third party of one; some say that it is composed of none of these, and that atoms are that from which it is formed, [3797] and its primary origin. And since of these opinions only one is true, but [3798] not one of them certain, here too, in like manner, arguments present themselves to all with which they may both establish the truth of what they say, and show that there are some things false [3799] in the others' opinions. So, too, some utterly deny the existence of the gods; others say that they are lost in doubt as to whether they exist anywhere; others, however, say that they do exist, but do not trouble themselves about human things; nay others maintain that they both take part in the affairs of men, and guide the course of earthly events. [3800]