On the Principle of Least Action

If the question were who among the philosophers was the first to realize that nature in all its operations follows the easiest path, or what amounts to the same thing, expends the least amount of effort, it would surely be ridiculous to suppose that any one modern philosopher could lay claim to this glorious discovery. The earliest philosophers had already recognized that nature does nothing in vain and this relates perfectly to [the question of] least expense. For if nature were to employ superfluous expense, it would clearly involve nature doing something in vain. Aristotle already makes references to this doctrine, and it seems that he has taken this idea from those who preceded him rather than envisioning it himself. The proposition has subsequently had such enormous influence in the Schools that it was regarded as one of the first precepts of philosophy until Descartes ultimately dared to reject it. So when Mr. Koenig objects that Malebranche, s’Gravesande, Wolff, along with others, have said that nature always follows the easiest route, or uses the least amount of effort in its processes, not only do we agree, but we also acknowledge that he could have named even more. Also our Illustrious President never claimed that no one before him had thought of this law and has willingly relinquished this glory, such as it is, to those whom Mr. Koenig deems worthy of receiving it.