Κόσμος

The Stoics speak of 'the universe' in three ways: (1) it is god himself, the one who creates particular things from the whole substance, who is indestructible and ingenerable, since he is the artificer of the cosmic reorganization¹ and, at certain periods of time, he consumes the whole substance into himself. And again he is born out of himself. (2) They also call 'universe' the cosmic organization itself of the stars, and (3) thirdly what is composed out of both things. And the creator of particular things from the substance of the whole is 'universe' as well, or a structure composed out of heaven, earth, and the natures contained in them. Or a structure composed from elements and men, and from the things produced for the sake of men. Certainly, they also say that the universe is managed according to intellect and providence, as intellect pervades all parts of it, just as the soul does in us (through some things more, through others less). It has proceeded through some things as a condition, as in bones and sinews. It has passed through other things as intellect, as in the commanding part. So too the whole universe, because of being a living thing, contains the ether as its commanding part,² and passes through the things which are in the air and through all the animals and plants as a condition. And the world is one, limited, and it has a spherical shape. For such a shape is most fitting for movement;³ and poured around the outside of it [sc. the world] it is the center,⁴ which is infinite, as something incorporeal. 'Incorporeal' [is] what can be occupied by bodies, but is not occupied. There is no void inside the universe, but it is unified; for this is necessitated by the correct tension and union of the celestial bodies in relation to terrestrial things.