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.

Summary

This quote suggests that different regions and cultures have different understandings of freedom. The Eastern world acknowledges an individual's freedom, while the Greek and Roman worldview recognizes the freedom of a selected few. On the other hand, the German world perceives freedom as a collective concept applicable to all individuals. Consequently, the quote proposes a chronological progression of political forms throughout history, starting with Despotism (a ruler's absolute power), evolving into Democracy and Aristocracy (limited freedom for some), and culminating in Monarchy (freedom for all). It implies that the German notion of freedom surpasses the previous forms by emphasizing widespread freedom.

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