self-existence

From self- +‎ existence.

self-existence (uncountable)

1. (theology) inherent existence; existence by virtue of a being's own nature, and independent of any other being or cause

   self-existence is an attribute of God

   • 1712, Richard Blackmore, Creation:

     If a first Body may to any Place
     Be not determin'd, in the boundless Space,
     'Tis plain, it then may absent be from all;
     Who then will this a Self-existence call?

2. self-sufficiency
   • 1781, Horace Walpole, The Mysterious Mother:

     Wasting and spoiling with a ruffian hand,/While her accomplice faith, wrapt up at home/In proud security of self-existence,/Thinks that existence shall absolve them both?

   • 1861 September 29, Daniel H. Wells, Remarks made in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City:

     We are counselled and taught by our brethren to prepare ourselves for self-existence, to look after those things which are calculated to make us free and independent.

• self-existent

• aseity

• “self-existence”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.