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INSTITUTES OF METAPHYSIC.
PROP. IX.————
apprehends it. In other words, the individual, or monad, is the universe constituted by oneself with the addition of the things or thoughts with which oneself is associated.
An objection obviated.16. Finally, lest any dissatisfaction should be felt on the two following points, a word of explanation may be appended. First, It may be alleged that the demonstration of Proposition VIII. merely proves that the ego must be known as the non-material element of cognition, but does not prove that it is known as a completed and non-material existence; and that this conclusion, therefore, does not appear to be altogether satisfactory. The answer is, that the ego having been proved to be the universal or non-material element of all cognition, and matter having been proved to be that which (although it is frequently the other element) does not, of necessity, enter into the composition of cognition at all, the conclusion is that the ego may, at any time, exist in combination with such peculiar elements of cognition (different from the material) as Providence may be pleased to associate it with, or as its own inherent powers may be competent to develop. The ego can never be known as a completed non-material existence, because it can be known only as the universal element of all cognition; but this universal element by itself—that is, dissociated from every particular element
