And can that which has no participation in being, either assume or
lose being?
Impossible.
The one then, since it in no way is, cannot have or lose or assume
being in any way?
True.
Then the one that is not, since it in no way partakes of being,
neither 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.
And therefore other things can neither be like or unlike, the
same, or different in relation to it?
They cannot.
Nor can what is not, be anything, or be this thing, or be related to
or the attribute of this or that or other, or be past, present, or
future. Nor can knowledge, or opinion, or perception, or expression,
or name, or any other thing that is, have any concern with it?
No.
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