CHAPTER III
NOT only does this something than which no
greater can be conceived exist, but it exists
in so true a sense that it cannot even be conceived not to exist. For it is possible to form
the conception of an object whose non-existence
shall be inconceivable; and such an object is of
necessity greater than any object whose existence is conceivable: wherefore if
that than which
no greater can be conceived can be conceived not
to exist; it follows that that than which no
greater can be conceived is not that than which no 14greater can be conceived [for there can be
thought a greater than it, namely, an object
whose non-existence shall be inconceivable];
and this brings us to a contradiction. And thus
it is proved that that thing than which no greater
can be conceived exists in so true a sense, that it
cannot even be conceived not to exist: and this
thing art Thou, O Lord our God! And so
Thou, O Lord my God, existest in so true a
sense that Thou canst not even be conceived not
to exist. And this is as is fitting. For if any
mind could conceive aught better than Thee,
then the creature would be ascending above the
Creator, and judging the Creator; which is a
supposition very absurd. Thou therefore dost
exist in a truer sense than all else beside Thee,
and art more real than all else beside Thee;
because whatsoever else existeth, existeth in a
less true sense than Thou, and therefore is less
real than Thou. Why then said the fool in his
heart, There is no God, when it is so plain to a
rational mind that Thou art more real than any
thing else? Why, except that he is a fool indeed?
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