With our ideas we are completely passive

"I do not understand how our ideas, which are things altogether passive and inert, can be the essence, or any part (or like any part) of the essence or substance of God, who is an impassive, indivisible, pure, active being." (Pg. 45) "And, hath it not been made evident that no such sunstance can possibly exist? And, though it should be allowed to exist, yet how can that which is inactive be a cause; or that which is unthinking be a Cause of thought?" (Pg. 47) - Philonous in the Three Dialogues, George Berkeley