the idea of Spirit speculatively; for whatever has a place in an Introduction; must; as already
observed; be taken as simply historical; something assumed as having been explained and proved
elsewhere; or whose demonstration awaits the sequel of the Science of History itself。
§ 20
We have therefore to mention here:
(1) The abstract characteristics of the nature of Spirit。
(2) What means Spirit uses in order to realise its Idea。
(3) Lastly; we must consider the shape which the perfect embodiment of Spirit assumes…the State。
(1) The Abstract Characteristics of the Nature of Spirit
§ 21
The nature of Spirit may be understood by a glance at its direct opposite — Matter。 As the
essence of Matter is Gravity; so; on the other hand; we may affirm that the substance; the essence
of Spirit is Freedom。 All will readily assent to the doctrine that Spirit; among other properties; is
also endowed with Freedom; but philosophy teaches that all the qualities of Spirit exist only
through Freedom; that all are but means for attaining Freedom; that all seek and produce this and
this alone。 It is a result of speculative Philosophy; that Freedom is the sole truth of Spirit。 Matter
possesses gravity in virtue of its tendency towards a central point。 It is essentially posite;
consisting of parts that exclude each other。 It seeks its Unity; and therefore exhibits itself as
self…destructive; as verging towards its opposite 'an indivisible point'。 If it could attain this; it would
be Matter no longer; it would have perished。 It strives after the realisation of its Idea; for in Unity it
exists ideally。 Spirit; on the contrary; may be defined as that which has its centre in itself。 It has
not a unity outside itself; but has already found it; it exists in and with itself。 Matter has its essence
out of itself; Spirit is self…contained existence (Bei…sich…selbst…seyn)。 Now this is Freedom;
exactly。 For if I am dependent; my being is referred to something else which I am not; I cannot
exist independently of something external。 I am free on the contrary; when my existence depends
upon myself。 This self…contained existence of Spirit is none other than self…consciousness —
consciousness of ones own being。 Two things must be distinguished in consciousness; first; the
fact that I know; secondly; what I know。 In sel
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