G. W. F. Hegel Quotes

A collection of quotes by G. W. F. Hegel.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, born on August 27, 1770, in Stuttgart, German Duchy of WÃ¼rttemberg, was a renowned philosopher and a major figure in German idealism. Hegel studied theology and philosophy at the University of TÃ¼bingen, where he developed an interest in the works of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schelling.

In 1801, Hegel began his career as a university lecturer in Jena, where he gained recognition for his lectures on philosophy of history. He later held teaching positions in various German cities such as Heidelberg and Berlin. Throughout his life, Hegel produced significant works on a wide range of subjects including metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy.

Hegel's philosophy is famously known for his dialectical method, where concepts undergo a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis to reach a higher understanding. His influential work, "The Phenomenology of Spirit" (1807), presents a comprehensive exploration of consciousness and self-awareness. Hegel's political philosophy and his concept of the state, particularly outlined in his work "Philosophy of Right" (1821), continue to inspire political theorists and philosophers.

Despite his influence and contributions to philosophy, Hegel's ideas faced significant criticism, and he was both revered and challenged by philosophers who followed him. G. W. F. Hegel passed away on November 14, 1831, in Berlin, leaving behind a complex body of work that continues to shape philosophical discourse.

The courage of the truth is the first condition of philosoph

The courage of the truth is the first condition of philosophic study.

No man is a hero to his valet. This is not because the hero

No man is a hero to his valet. This is not because the hero is no hero, but because the valet is a valet.

When we walk the streets at night in safety, it does not str

When we walk the streets at night in safety, it does not strike us that this might be otherwise. This habit of feeling safe has become second nature, and we do not reflect on just how this is due solely to the working of special institutions. Commonplace thinking often has the impression that force holds the state together, but in fact its only bond is the fundamental sense of order which everybody possesses.

It is a matter of perfect indifference where a thing origina

It is a matter of perfect indifference where a thing originated; the only question is: Is it true in and for itself?

When liberty is mentioned, we must always be careful to obse

When liberty is mentioned, we must always be careful to observe whether it is not really the assertion of private interests which is thereby designated.

Animals are in possession of themselves; their soul is in po

Animals are in possession of themselves; their soul is in possession of their body. But they have no right to their life, because they do not will it.

Once the state has been founded, there can no longer be any

Once the state has been founded, there can no longer be any heroes. They come on the scene only in uncivilized conditions.

America is, therefore the land of the future, where, in the

America is, therefore the land of the future, where, in the ages that lie before us, the burden of the World's history shall reveal itself. It is a land of desire for all those who are weary of the historical lumber-room of Old Europe.

The East knew and to the present day knows only that One is

The East knew and to the present day knows only that One is Free; the Greek and the Roman world, that some are free; the German World knows that All are free. The first political form therefore which we observe in History, is Despotism, the second Democracy and Aristocracy, the third, Monarchy.

The history of the world is none other than the progress of

The history of the world is none other than the progress of the consciousness of freedom.

It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in sta

It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in states, and in Providence, than to see their real import and value.

An idea is always a generalization, and generalization is a

An idea is always a generalization, and generalization is a property of thinking. To generalize means to think.

Poverty in itself does not make men into a rabble; a rabble

Poverty in itself does not make men into a rabble; a rabble is created only when there is joined to poverty a disposition of mind, an inner indignation against the rich, against society, against the government.

Truth in philosophy means that concept and external reality

Truth in philosophy means that concept and external reality correspond.

All the worth which the human being possesses, all spiritual

All the worth which the human being possesses, all spiritual reality, he possesses only through the State. . . For Truth is the unity of the universal and subjective will; and the Universal is to be found in the State, in its laws, its universal and rational arrangements. The State is the Divine Idea as it exists on earth. We have in it, therefore, the object of history in a more definite shape than before; that in which Freedom obtains objectivity.

Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished withou

Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.

Greatness & Great Things

The Few assume to be the deputies, but they are often only t

The Few assume to be the deputies, but they are often only the despoilers of the Many.

The valor that struggles is better than the weakness that en

The valor that struggles is better than the weakness that endures.

The learner always begins by finding fault, but the scholar

The learner always begins by finding fault, but the scholar sees the positive merit in everything.

Scholars Scholarship

The true courage of civilized nations is readiness for sacri

The true courage of civilized nations is readiness for sacrifice in the service of the state, so that the individual counts as only one amongst many. The important thing here is not personal mettle but aligning oneself with the universal.