The Vocation of Man

could calculate in advance, and the perception of the result corresponded to my calculation, I have set my mind at ease. For this reason, I am now as certain of the correctness of this part of my knowledge German: Erkenntnisse—refers to the body of insights or cognitions gained through the systematic study described previously. as I am of my own existence German: Daseyn—literally "being there"; Fichte uses this to denote the simple fact of being alive or present in the world.; I walk with a firm step within the sphere of my world known to me, and at every moment I stake my existence and my well-being upon the infallibility of my convictions.

But—what am I myself, and what is my vocation? German: Bestimmung—this is the central term of the book. While it can mean "destiny" or "determination," in this context it refers to one's "vocation" or "calling"—the ultimate purpose for which a human being exists.

Superfluous question! It has been a long time since my instruction instruction: Belehrung, the formal process of being taught or informed by external authorities on this subject was concluded, and it would require time to repeat to myself everything that I have heard, learned, and believed in detail regarding this.

And by what path, then, have I arrived at this knowledge, which I dimly remember possessing? Have I, driven by a burning thirst for knowledge German: Wißbegier—an intense desire or "greed" for knowing., [worked] my way through...