Gilles Deleuze: 'Substance must itself be said of the modes and only of the modes.'

Substance must itself be said of the modes and only of the modes.

In the realm of philosophy, Gilles Deleuze's quote "Substance must itself be said of the modes and only of the modes" is an intriguing proposition to unravel. At its core, Deleuze is suggesting that substance, the fundamental essence of existence, can only be attributed to specific manifestations or modes of being. This concept challenges traditional notions of substance, which often consider it to be an independent entity or a static construct. By delving deeper into this idea, we can begin to explore the complexity of modes and their integral relationship to substance.To comprehend the meaning and importance of Deleuze's quote, we must first understand the concept of modes. Modes refer to the various forms or attributes that exist within substance. They can be seen as different expressions of potentiality that unfold from substance itself. For example, human beings, animals, plants, and inanimate objects are all modes of substance. By stating that substance can only be said of the modes and only of the modes, Deleuze suggests that substance finds its existence and significance through these diverse modes.This assertion offers a departure from traditional philosophical thought, which often sees substance as an independent and primordial entity. Instead, Deleuze proposes a relational perspective, where substance finds its raison d'être in the modes that embody it. In essence, substance is not a separate and static entity, but rather a dynamic force that manifests itself in an infinite variety of modes. This idea challenges us to reconsider the boundaries between substance and its manifestations, revealing a rich interplay between the two.To bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the mix, let us explore the idea of virtuality. Virtuality, as coined by Deleuze, refers to a realm of potentiality that lies parallel to our empirical reality. It is a realm of infinite possibilities waiting to be actualized. Introducing this concept allows us to further appreciate the significance of modes in relation to substance.In the realm of virtuality, substance exists in a state of constant flux, continually giving birth to new modes. These modes, in turn, contribute to the ongoing evolution and transformation of substance. The interplay between substance and modes can be seen as a dynamic dance, where substance provides the canvas, and modes paint their unique expressions upon it.By juxtaposing the concept of virtuality with Deleuze's quote, we can observe an intriguing parallel. Substances, in their virtual potentiality, give birth to an infinite array of modes, each carrying the essence of substance within them. Just as virtuality constantly generates new modes, substance, too, finds its vitality and expanding richness in the perpetual emergence of new manifestations.In contrast to traditional philosophical perspectives, Deleuze's quote challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of substance and its relationship to modes. It reminds us that substance is not a separate entity, but an ever-flowing current that finds expression in the multitude of modes that populate our world. This perspective invites us to view the world around us not as a collection of static objects, but as a vibrant ecosystem of constantly evolving modes imbued with the essence of substance.In conclusion, Gilles Deleuze's quote offers an alternative and compelling perspective on the nature of substance and its relationship to modes. By emphasizing that substance itself can only be said of the modes, Deleuze highlights the interactive and dynamic nature of existence. Introducing the concept of virtuality further enriches this exploration, broadening our understanding of substance as a continuous flow of potentiality. Ultimately, Deleuze's insights urge us to embrace a more nuanced and interconnected view of reality, where substance and modes dance in a boundless symphony of existence.