the other acted with him, (1) so while they were in agreement, each of them would be incapable of doing anything independently (2).

If each of them, while they were in agreement, was incapable of doing anything independently, he would also be incapable when alone (3). Whoever, when alone (4), is incapable of doing anything would likewise be incapable when acting together with another.

When people collaborate, each of them (5) must perform some action independently of the other in the course of their collaboration. For when one of them is able to act, he performs his movement independently of the other. Likewise, he can (6), when alone, produce an effect without the other (7). It is therefore impossible for two beings, each incapable when alone, to act in agreement—whether in the case of creatures or of a creator—and regardless of whether their agreement is necessary or possible.

[Even if it were assumed that two created beings are capable only when together, that would be because there is a third being besides them (8) who grants them power when they come together. Here, however, it is impossible for the eternal Creator, who is necessarily existent in Himself, to have anyone above Him who makes Him capable. It is therefore impossible for anyone to be above the two of them and grant them power when together but not when apart, since everything besides them is created (9) and thus cannot make the Creator capable] (10).