For there is a definite quantity of force or power by dint of
which that which remains at rest does so, just as there is of force by
dint of which that which initiates movement does so; and as there is a
necessary proportion between opposite motions, so there is between
absences of motion. Now equal forces are unaffected by one another,
but are overcome by a superiority of force. And so in their theory
Atlas, or whatever similar power initiates movement from within,
must exert no more force than will exactly balance the stability of
the earth- otherwise the earth will be moved out of her place in the
centre of things. For as the pusher pushes so is the pushed pushed,
and with equal force. But the prime mover moves that which is to begin
with at rest, so that the power it exerts is greater, rather than
equal and like to the power which produces absence of motion in that
which is moved. And similarly also the power of what is moved and so
moves must be greater than the power of that which is moved but does
not initiate movement. Therefore the force of the earth in its
immobility will have to be as great as the force of the whole heavens,
and of that which moves the heavens. But if that is impossible, it
follows that the heavens cannot possibly be moved by any force of this
kind inside them.
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