Meaning: The quote you've provided is a philosophical and theological statement by Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Swiss Catholic theologian and one of the most influential Catholic theologians of the 20th century. In this quote, Balthasar discusses the transcendental attributes of Being, namely the One, the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. These concepts are deeply rooted in Western philosophy and have been the subject of contemplation and debate for centuries.

The concept of the transcendental attributes of Being can be traced back to the Greek philosopher Plato, who discussed the existence of transcendentals in his dialogues. The transcendentals are properties that are common to all beings, regardless of their specific nature or essence. These properties are said to transcend the limitations of individual entities and are considered to be coextensive with Being itself.

Balthasar's assertion that the One, the Good, the True, and the Beautiful are the transcendental attributes of Being reflects a synthesis of classical Greek philosophy and Christian theology. In this context, the One represents unity and the ultimate source of all existence. It is the principle of oneness that underlies the diversity of the world. The Good signifies moral and ethical perfection, encompassing the highest ideals of righteousness and virtue. The True embodies the concept of ultimate reality and absolute truth, transcending the limitations of human perception and understanding. The Beautiful encompasses aesthetic perfection and harmony, reflecting the divine order and beauty inherent in creation.

Balthasar's formulation of the transcendental attributes of Being suggests a holistic understanding of reality that encompasses the spiritual, moral, intellectual, and aesthetic dimensions of existence. These attributes are not only descriptive of the nature of reality but also serve as an aspirational framework for human striving and contemplation. They point towards the ultimate source of meaning, value, and beauty in the world.

In Christian theology, the transcendental attributes of Being are often associated with the divine nature of God. The One, the Good, the True, and the Beautiful are considered to be reflections of God's attributes and are understood as inherent qualities of the divine. They provide a framework for understanding the nature of God and His relationship to the created world. In this theological context, the transcendentals serve as points of reference for contemplating the divine nature and for discerning the presence of the divine in the world.

Balthasar's exploration of the transcendental attributes of Being has had a significant impact on both philosophy and theology. His work has inspired further reflection and dialogue on the nature of reality, the divine attributes, and the relationship between the transcendentals and human experience. The integration of these transcendentals into philosophical and theological discourse has enriched our understanding of the nature of existence and has provided a framework for contemplating the ultimate meaning and purpose of life.

In conclusion, Hans Urs von Balthasar's quote on the transcendental attributes of Being offers a profound reflection on the fundamental qualities that underlie existence. The One, the Good, the True, and the Beautiful represent universal principles that transcend the limitations of individual entities and serve as points of reference for contemplating the nature of reality and the divine. Balthasar's formulation of the transcendentals has contributed to a deeper understanding of the nature of Being and has enriched philosophical and theological discourse on the ultimate nature of existence.