Then the one that is not, stands still, and is also in motion?
That seems to be true.
But if it be in motion it must necessarily undergo alteration, for anything which is moved, in so far as it is moved, is no longer in the same state, but in another?
Yes.
Then the one, being moved, is altered?
Yes.
And, further, if not moved in any way, it will not be altered in any way?
No.
Then, in so far as the one that is not is moved, it is altered, but in so far as it is not moved, it is not altered?
Right.
Then the one that is not is altered and is not altered?
That is clear.
And must not that which is altered become other than it previously was, and lose its former state and be destroyed; but that which is not altered can neither come into being nor be destroyed?
Very true.
And the one that is not, being altered, becomes and is destroyed; and not being altered, neither becomes nor is destroyed; and so the one that is not becomes and is destroyed, and neither becomes nor is destroyed?
True.
2.b. And now, let us go back once more to the beginning, and see whether these or some other consequences will follow.
Let us do as you say.
If one is not, we ask what will happen in respect of one? That is the question.
Yes.
Do not the words "is not" signify absence of being in that to which we apply them?
Just so.
And when we say that a thing is not, do we mean that it is not in one way but is in another? or do we mean, absolutely, that what is not has in no sort or way or kind partic.i.p.ation of being?
Quite absolutely.
Then, that which is not cannot be, or in any way partic.i.p.ate in being?
It cannot.
And did we not mean by becoming, and being destroyed, the a.s.sumption of being and the loss of being?
Nothing else.
And can that which has no partic.i.p.ation in being, either a.s.sume or lose being?
Impossible.
The one then, since it in no way is, cannot have or lose or a.s.sume being in any way?
True.
Then the one that is not, since it in no way partakes of being, neither perishes nor becomes?
No.
Then it is not altered at all; for if it were it would become and be destroyed?
True.
But if it be not altered it cannot be moved?
Certainly not.
Nor can we say that it stands, if it is nowhere; for that which stands must always be in one and the same spot?
Of course.
Then we must say that the one which is not never stands still and never moves?
Neither.
Nor is there any existing thing which can be attributed to it; for if there had been, it would partake of being?
That is clear.
And therefore neither smallness, nor greatness, nor equality, can be attributed to it?
No.
Nor yet likeness nor difference, either in relation to itself or to others?
Clearly not.
Well, and if nothing should be attributed to it, can other things be attributed to it?
Certainly not.