Last rites declaration of Ioannes Paulus PP. II (Karol Wojtyla)
2nd April 2005
--
nature, another in truth, Felix qui potuit rerum
cognoscere causas,[8] another in total ignorance, another in indolence,
others in disregarding appearances, another in wondering at nothing, nihil
admirari prope res una quae possit facere et servare beatum,[9] and the true
sceptics in their indifference, doubt, and perpetual suspense, and others,
wiser, think to find a better definition. We are well satisfied.
We must see if this fine philosophy has gained nothing certain from so long
and so intent study; perhaps at least the soul will know itself. Let us hear
the rulers of the world on this subject. What have they thought of her
substance? 394.[10] Have they been more fortunate in locating her? 395. What
have they found out about her origin, duration, and departure? Harum
sententiarum, 399.[11]
Is, then, the soul too noble a subject for their feeble lights? Let us,
then, abase her to matter and see if she knows whereof is made the very body
which she animates and those others which she contemplates and moves at her
will. What have those great dogmatists, who are ignorant of nothing, known
of thi