negated, for every negation implicitly carries an affirmation; mere negation in itself contains neither praise nor perfection, for a non-existent thing can also be described by pure negation, and the non-existent bears no resemblance to the existent. Such a description, then, is no praise of Him, because resembling what is deficient in its deficiencies is sheer deficiency, just as resembling a creature in any attribute constitutes assimilation and likening—both of which the Lord, exalted is He, is far above.

Deficiency is the very opposite of perfection. Thus it is known that He is living, and death—the contrary of life—is inconceivable for Him. Likewise, sleep and drowsiness stand opposed to the perfection of life, for sleep is the brother of death. Weariness, too, is a shortcoming in power and strength, and eating, drinking, and the like all disclose a dependence on something outside oneself. In the same way, seeking another’s help, leaning on him, and similar acts entail reliance upon and need for that other; and anyone who requires someone to carry him or help him to maintain his own existence or—