§ 88
In the very element of an achievement the quality of generality; of thought; is contained; without
thought it has no objectivity; that is its basis。 The highest point in the development of a people is
this; — to have gained a conception of its life and condition; — to have reduced its laws; its ideas
of justice and morality to a science; for in this unity 'of the objective and subjective' lies the most
intimate unity that Spirit can attain to in and with itself。 In its work it is employed in rendering itself
an object of its own contemplation; but it cannot develop itself objectively in its essential nature;
except in thinking itself。
§ 89
At this point; then; Spirit is acquainted with its principles — the general character of its acts。 But at
the same time; in virtue of its very generality; this work of thought is different in point of form from
the actual achievements of the national genius; and from the vital agency by which those
achievements have been performed。 We have then before us a real and an ideal existence of the
Spirit of the Nation。 If we wish to gain the general idea and conception of what the Greeks were;
we find it in Sophocles and Aristophanes; in Thucydides and Plato。 In these individuals the Greek
spirit conceived and thought itself。 This is the profounder kind of satisfaction which the Spirit of a
people attains; but it is “ideal;” and distinct from its “real” activity。
§ 90
At such a time; therefore; we are sure to see a people finding satisfaction in the idea of virtue;
putting talk about virtue partly side by side with actual virtue; but partly in the place of it。 On the
other hand pure; universal thought; since its nature is universality; is apt to bring the Special and
Spontaneous — Belief; Trust; Customary Morality — to reflect upon itself; and its primitive
simplicity; to show up the limitation with which it is fettered; — partly suggesting reasons for
renouncing duties; partly itself demanding reasons; and the connection of such requirements with
Universal Thought; and not finding that connection; seeking to impeach the authority of duty
generally; as destitute of a sound foundation。
§ 91
At the same time the isolation of individuals from each other and from the Whole makes its
appearance; their aggressive selfishness and vanity; their seeking personal advantage and
consulting this at the expense of the State at large。 That inward principle in transcending its
outward manifestations is subjective also in form — viz。; selfishness and corruption in the unbound
passions and egotistic interests of men。
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