The Dissertations of Maximus Tyrius

What is the "one according law and assertion in all the earth" mentioned in the text?
The text states that in the midst of discord and sedition, there is one law and assertion in all the earth: "that there is one God, the king and father of all things, and many gods, sons of God, ruling."

How does the author describe the nature of human disagreement?
The author describes disagreement as being universal and pervasive. They note that "law and justice are divulsed and lacerated" by extreme differences of opinion. This disagreement is not just between families, but between cities, between individuals, and even within the mind of a single person.

What does the footnote attribute to Aristotle regarding the nature of the gods?
The footnote cites Aristotle’s Metaphysics (Book 12, Chapter 8), explaining that ancient traditions described the "first essences" as Gods in a way "involved in fable." Aristotle suggests these human-like descriptions were introduced for the purpose of "persuading the multitude, enforcing the laws, and benefiting human life." However, he concludes that if one separates the "fabulous" or mythical elements, the core truth that remains is the assertion that the first essences are indeed Gods.