Emanation

Abstract

In medieval scholasticism the Latin proverb quoted above was fundamental in the theological doctrine of creation: the Good, by its very nature, communicates itself. In its pregnant shortness the adage bears an inheritance from neoplatonic metaphysics. The principle is in fact found in the Enneads of Plotinus. In a chapter belonging to one of his early treatises he explains how the creative Spirit or Intellect (Noũς) engenders the world soul. Kronos, symbol of the universal Intellect, eats his children, that is keeps them inside himself, until, being saturated and having become full-grown Intellect, he generates Zeus, that is Soul. Indeed, says Plotinus, when a being comes to perfection, it must have offspring, and when it is such an immense power it cannot be without children (V 1 [10] 7, 32–38)¹

Bonum est diffusivum sui.

It is in the nature of the Good to make other beings share in it.