Proposition 29

199. Every substance is simple, that stands through itself, that is to say through its essence.

200. For it is created without time, and it is in its substantiality superior to temporal substances.

201. And an indication of that is that it is not generated from anything else, since it stands through its essence; and substances generated from something else are composite substances that fall under generation.

202. Thus it is now manifest that every substance that stands through its essence only exists not in time, and [this is because] it is higher than and superior to time and temporal things.

433. Here (199) is posited the proposition converse to the prior which is such: every simple substance is standing through itself, that is: through its essence (194).

434. Yet it should be known that this proposition is not proved in the commentary, but a certain one which is proved (200) is interposed; namely: that a substance standing through itself is caused without time and is, in its substantiality, superior to temporal substances.

435. And this is proposition 51 of Proclus' book under these words: every autohypostatic is exempt from those things which are measured by time according to its substance. Where it should be considered that that which is said: according to its substance can be referred either to the temporal substances themselves, whose substantial being is subject to variation, whence they are said to be measured by time according to their substance; or it could be referred to the substances standing by themselves which according to their substance are superior to temporal substances.

436. Therefore a proof is posited of this proposition brought in above (200) like so (201): for it has been shown above (181-182 [403-404]) that no substance standing through itself falls under generation. Now all substances, which are measured in time according to their substance, fall under generation: for through this, according to their substance they are measured by time, that their substantial being is varied by generation and corruption. Therefore it remains that no substance standing through itself falls under time, but it is superior to all temporal substances (202).

437. Now from this proposition (200) thus proved (201) we can conclude that which was premised [434]: for if this is proper to a substance standing by itself, that it be not falling according to its substance under time; yet this is appropriate to every simple substance, because every generable substance falling under time is composed out of matter and form; it remains that every simple substance be standing through itself. Which was first (199) proposed.