(no subject)

[timelets]

For, by substance, would be understood
that which is in itself,
and is conceived
through itself —

that is,
something of which
the conception requires not the conception of anything else;

whereas
modifications exist
in something external to themselves,

and a conception of them
is formed by means
of a conception of the thing
in which they exist.

Therefore,
we may have true ideas
of non—existent modifications;

for, although they may have no actual existence
apart from the conceiving intellect,

yet their essence
is so involved
in something external to themselves
that they may through it be conceived.

Whereas
the only truth substances can have,
external to the intellect,
must consist in their existence,

because
they are conceived
through themselves.

--- Benedictus de Spinoza. “Ethics.” Prop. VIII, Note II.