And originated things depend on something else. Thus, it is established that some existing things are independent in themselves, while others depend on something else.

The argument may also be stated as follows: Every existing thing is either created or uncreated, and a created thing can only be created by an uncreated creator. It is known that originated things can only be created. Thus, it is established that among existing things are those that are originated and created, and also an uncreated creator of those originated things. This is what was to be demonstrated.

The argument may also be stated as follows: An existing thing either has power in itself or does not. Whatever does not have power in itself can have power only through being granted it by that which has power in itself. The originated things we observe were nonexistent, and what is nonexistent cannot exist through itself, let alone have power in itself. Thus, it is established that among existing things are those that are brought into being, and also that which exists and has power in itself. That which has power in itself can only be eternal, beginningless, and necessarily existent in itself. Thus, the division of existing things into these two kinds is established. This is what was to be demonstrated.

The argument may also be stated as follows: An existing thing is either perfect, with no deficiency that makes it dependent on something else, or deficient, depending on something else for its perfection. It is known that the originated things we observe do not possess existence of themselves, let alone perfection in themselves, and that, after coming into existence, they depend on that which remedies their deficiency. Thus, it is established that among existing things is that which is perfect, with no deficiency that makes it dependent on something else; and that which has no