Lectures on the Philosophy of History

[Sub]jective spirit has learned to assert its own freedom, both against irrational and unjust external demands and against internal whims, passions, and sensory desires. When this happens, it will demand a living, active, just, and holy embodiment of the Divine as the only possible object of its worship. Political principles will be affected to the same degree. Where mere nature dominates, legal relationships will only be recognized if they are based on natural differences; rights will be strictly and unalterably tied to "caste" A rigid social hierarchy determined by birth rather than merit or law.. On the other hand, where the Spirit In Hegelian philosophy, "Spirit" (Geist) refers to the collective human consciousness, intellect, and the unfolding of reason in history. has achieved its freedom, it will require a legal code and a political constitution. These must reflect the same rational control of nature by reason that exists within the Spirit's own being, as well as the strength it feels to resist the pull of the senses.

Between the lowest and highest levels of intelligence and will, there are several middle stages. Around each stage, a collection of related ideas, institutions, arts, and sciences develops in harmony with that level. Each of these collections is known in history as a distinct nationality. When the core principle of a nation loses its energy—because the human mind has outgrown the temporary form it took—that national life declines. We then see a transition to a higher level. In this process, a relatively abstract and limited stage of individual intelligence and will (which matches an equally imperfect stage of objective Reason The external manifestation of reason in laws, customs, and the state.) is traded for one that is more grounded and energetic. This new stage develops human potential more freely and fully, and leads to a more adequate understanding of Right The concept of justice or law as a realized form of freedom..

The goal of this struggle is, as already indicated, the self-realization and the complete development of the Spirit, whose...