894–895
Athenian
Ath. Logically it is first in point of origin and power; and the next one is second to it, although we absurdly called it ninth a moment ago.
Clinias
Clin. What do you mean?
Athenian
Ath. This: when we find one thing changing another, and this in turn another, and so on,—of these things shall we ever find one that is the prime cause of change? How will a thing that is moved by another ever be itself the first of the things that cause change? It is impossible.
Ath. But when a thing that has moved itself changes another thing, and that other a third, and the motion thus spreads progressively through thousands upon thousands of things, will the primary source of all their motions be anything else than the movement of that which has moved itself?
Clinias
Clin. Excellently put, and we must assent to your argument.