The Vocation of Man

the deliberate and intentional education of the human race, should remain excluded from the scope of this work. The natural understanding original: natürliche Verstand; refers to common sense or the innate capacity for reason without formal training. does not raise those objections; rather, it leaves positive science original: positive Wissenschaft; here meaning established, specialized branches of knowledge like law or medicine that rely on given facts. to its scholars, and the education of the human race original: Menschengeschlecht—insofar as it depends on humans—to its public teachers original: Volkslehrern; these were figures like clergymen or educators who were responsible for the moral instruction of the common people. and state officials.

This book is therefore not intended for professional philosophers, and they will find nothing in it that has not already been presented in other writings by the same author. It should be understandable to all readers who are capable of understanding a book at all. From those who only wish to repeat phrases formerly learned by heart in a slightly altered order, and who mistake this exercise of memory original: Gedächtnisses; Fichte distinguishes between rote memorization and true intellectual engagement. for understanding, it will

Key terms found in this section: Education/Upbringing, Human Race, Science/Knowledge, Philosophers, Memory, Understanding/Intellect.