While, then, the notion of the “good” implies a relation of the appetite or natural tendency of a being towards its end, the notion of “perfection,” or “perfecting,” conveys to our minds actual reality simply, or the actualizing of reality. The term “perfection” is commonly used as synonymous with actual reality. In so far forth as a reality is actual we say it “has perfection”. But we do not call it “perfect” _simply_, unless it has all the actuality we conceive to be due to its nature: so long as it lacks any of this it is only perfect _secundum quid_, _i.e._ in proportion to the actuality it does possess. Hence we define “the perfect” as _that which is actually lacking in nothing that is due to its nature_. The perfect is therefore not simply the good, but the complete or finished good; and it is even logically distinct from the latter, inasmuch as the actuality connoted by the former has added to it the relation to appetite connoted by the latter. Similarly “goodness” is logically distinct from “perfection” by adding the like relation to the latter. Although a thing has goodness in so far as it has perfection, and _vice versa_, still its perfection is its actuality simply, while its goodness is this actuality considered as the term of its natural appetite or tendency. 47. GRADES OF PERFECTION. REALITY AS STANDARD OF VALUE.—We may distinguish between stages of perfection in the changing reality of the same being, or grades of perfection in comparing with one another different classes or orders of being. In one and the same being we may distinguish between what is called its _first_ or _essential_ perfection, which means its essence or nature considered as capable of realizing its purpose in existence by tending effectively towards its end; what is called its _intermediate_ or _accidental_ perfection, which consists in all the powers, faculties and functions whereby this tendency is gradually actualized; and what is called its _final_ or _integral_ perfection, which consists in its full actualization by complete attainment of its end.