The eternity of the world

TL;DRAbstract

Critolaus, one of those who cultivate the Muses, a follower of the Peripatetic philosophy, supporting the doctrine of the eternity of the world used arguments like these: ‘if the world has come to be, it is necessary that the earth too has come to be; if the earth is subject to coming-to-be, certainly the human race [will be so too]; but man is not subject to coming-to-be, since the race has existed from eternity, as will be shown. So the world too is eternal.’ (2) What has been passed over must now be established, if indeed demonstration is needed for things that are so clear; but it is necessary, as it seems, because of the contrivers of fables, who have filled life with lies and banished truth beyond its boundaries, forcing not only cities and households but each individual also to be bereft of the best of possessions, and who have contrived enticing style, metres and rhythms as a bait to trap people; with these they cast spells on the ears of fools, as ugly and loathsome courtesans

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