Lectures on the Philosophy of History

ranks original: "phalanx" of the Hegelian style by introducing phrases of any other type or order, even at the risk of being forced to give up a certain unity of expression. He thought that it would be nothing less than pleasing to the reader to encounter—at least in some parts of the book—the strong, concise original: "pithy" and sometimes difficult original: "gnarled" style of the author. He wished to give the reader the pleasure of following the complex, maze-like paths of thought under the guidance of Hegel's often rigid but always reliable and energetic hand.

From the point where these fully written fragments ended, the real task of giving the work a complete form began; but this was performed with constant regard for the specific terms of expression found in the manuscripts and notes. The Editor gladly replaced the words that came from his own pen with others that he might not have chosen himself, but which seemed more characteristic of the author. Only where it was absolutely necessary was he willing to complete, fill up, or supplement the text. In short, he was anxious to avoid making any change to the unique character of the composition as much as possible, and to offer to the public not a book of his own, but that of another. Therefore, the Editor cannot be held responsible for the writing style as if it were his own; he had to present material and lines of thought that were not his, and as far as possible, he avoided straying beyond the limits of the original phrasing. The Editor can only be held accountable within these specific and predetermined conditions, which also act as obstacles to a free writing style.

Hegel’s manuscripts were the first materials the Editor used. These often contain only single words and names connected by dashes, clearly intended to aid his memory while teaching; however, they also include longer sentences and sometimes a page or more written out in full. From these more complete sections of the manuscript, many striking expressions and powerful descriptions original: "epithets" could be taken. The students' notes were corrected and supplemented by these manuscripts, and it is surprising to see the tireless persistence with which the author continually returns to his previous lines of thought. In these records original: "memorials", Hegel appears as a most diligent and careful teacher, always intent on deepening fleeting original: "fugitive" impressions, and...