(33) Again, we shall that men are more perfect, or more imperfect,
in proportion as they approach more or less nearly to the said type.
(Prf:34) For it must be specially remarked that, when I say that a man
passes from a lesser to a greater perfection, or vice versG, I do not
mean that he is changed from one essence or reality to another; for
instance, a horse would be as completely destroyed by being changed into
a man, as by being changed into an insect. (Prf:35) What I mean is,
that we conceive the thing's power of action, in so far as this is
understood by its nature, to be increased or diminished. (36) Lastly,
by perfection in general I shall, as I have said, mean reality in other
words, each thing's essence, in so far as it exists, and operates in a
particular manner, and without paying any regard to its duration.
(Prf:37) For no given thing can be said to be more perfect, because it
has passed a longer time in existence. (38) The duration of things
cannot be determined by their essence, for the essence of things involves
no fixed and definite period of existence; but everything, whether it be
more perfect or less perfect, will always be able to persist in existence
with the same force wherewith it began to exist; wherefore, in this
respect, all things are equal.
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[DEFINITIONS]
[D.
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