and the charge consequent brought against speculation; shall be explained and confuted。 We do
not; however; propose to correct the innumerable special misrepresentations; trite or novel; that
are current respecting the aims; the interests; and the modes of treating history; and its relation to
Philosophy。
§ 12
The only Thought which Philosophy brings with it to the contemplation of History; is the simple
conception of Reason; that Reason is the Sovereign of the World; that the history of the world
therefore; presents us with a rational process。 This conviction and intuition is a hypothesis in the
domain of history as such。 In that of Philosophy it is no hypothesis。 It is there proved by
speculative cognition; that Reason — and this term may here suffice us; without investigating the
relation sustained by the Universe to the Divine Being; — is Substance; as well as Infinite Power;
its own Infinite Material underlying all the natural and spiritual life which it originates; as also the
Infinite Form; — that which sets this Material in motion。 On the one hand; Reason is the substance
of the Universe; viz。 that by which and in which all reality has its being and subsistence。 On the
other hand; it is the Infinite Energy of the Universe; since Reason is not so powerless as to be
incapable of producing anything but a mere ideal; a mere intention — having its place outside
reality; nobody knows where; something separate and abstract; in the heads of certain human
beings。 It is the infinite plex of things; their entire Essence and Truth。 It is its own material
which it mits to its own Active Energy to work up; not needing; as finite action does; the
conditions of an external material of given means from which it may obtain its support; and the
objects of its activity。 It supplies its own nourishment and is the object of its own operations。
While it is exclusively its own basis of existence; and absolute final aim; it is also the energising
power realising this aim; developing it not only in the phenomena of the Natural; but also of the
Spiritual Universe — the History of the World。 That this “Idea” or “Reason” is the True; the
Eternal; the absolutely powerful essence; that it reveals itself in the World; and that in that World
nothing else is revealed but this and its honour and glory — is the thesis which; as we have said;
has been proved in Philosophy and is here regarded as demonstrated。
§ 13
In those of my hearers who are not acquainted with Philosophy; I may fairly presume; at least; the
existence of a belief in Reason; a desire; a thirst for acquaintance with it; in entering upon this
course of Lectures。 It is in fact; the wish for rational insight; not the ambition to amass a mere heap
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