The great chain of being (Latin: scala naturae, literally "ladder/stair-way of nature"), is a concept derived from Plato and Aristotle, and developed fully in Neoplatonism. It details a strict, religious hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to have been decreed by God. The chain starts from God and progresses downward to angels, demons (fallen/renegade angels), stars, moon, kings, princes, nobles, men, wild animals, domesticated animals, trees, other plants, precious stones, precious metals, and other minerals.
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Famous quotes containing the word chain:
“A chain is no stronger than its weakest link, and life is after all a chain.”
—William James (1842–1910)