Book 14
5
It was, however, on the ground of the changing of the rulers of the world that the poets were led to state these theories; because those of them who compromise by not describing everything in mythological language—e.g. PherecydesOf Syros (circa 600-525 B.C.). He made Zeus one of the three primary beings (Diels,Vorsokratiker201, 202). and certain others—make the primary generator the Supreme Good; and so do the Magi,The Zoroastrian priestly caste. and some of the later philosophers such as Empedocles and Anaxagoras: the one making Love an element,Cf. Aristot. Met. 3.1.13. and the other making Mind a first principle.Cf. Aristot. Met. 1.3.16.
6
And of those who hold that unchangeable substances exist, somePlato; cf. Aristot. Met. 1.6.10. identify absolute unity with absolute goodness; but they considered that the essence of goodness was primarily unity.
6
This, then, is the problem: which of these two views we should hold.
7
Now it is remarkable if that which is primary and eternal and supremely self-sufficient does not possess this very quality, viz. self-sufficiency and immunity, in a primary degree and as something good. Moreover, it is imperishable and self-sufficient for no other reason than because it is good. Hence it is probably true to say that the first principle is of this nature.
