thus even the fool is convinced that something than which nothing greater can be conceived is in the understanding, since when he hears this, he understands it; and whatever is understood is in the understanding. and certainly that than which a greater cannot be conceived cannot be in the understanding alone. for if it is even in the understanding alone, it can be conceived to exist in reality also, which is greater. thus if that than which a greater cannot be conceived is in the understanding alone, then that than which a greater cannot be conceived is itself that than which a greater can be conceived. but surely this cannot be. thus without doubt something than which a greater cannot be conceived exists, both in the understanding and in reality. -st. anselm, proslogion ii meaning