Providence has furnished things with this most cogent reason for continuance: they must desire life, so long as it is naturally possible for them to continue living. Wherefore in no way mayst thou doubt but that things naturally aim at continuance of existence, and shun destruction.”

“I confess,” said I, “that what I lately thought uncertain, I now perceive to be indubitably clear.”

“Now, that which seeks to subsist and continue desires to be one; for if its oneness be gone, its very existence cannot continue.”

“True,” said I.

“All things, then, desire to be one.”

“I agree.”

“But we have proved that one is the very same thing as good.”

“We have.”