Read the attached article about Hegel. Then take a quiz.
Reading Practice: Who Was Hegel?
Some Inspirational Quotes by Hegel:
1. "The rational alone is real."
- This quote reflects Hegel's idealist philosophy, where he posits that reality is fundamentally constituted by rational structures. It underscores his belief that the underlying essence of the world is rational, and understanding this rationality is key to comprehending reality.
2. "To be independent of public opinion is the first formal condition of achieving anything great."
- Hegel emphasizes the importance of original thought and the courage to stand apart from prevailing societal norms and opinions. This quote inspires individuals to think independently, suggesting that greatness stems from the ability to question and transcend conventional wisdom.
3. "Freedom is the understanding of necessity."
- For Hegel, true freedom is not the absence of constraints but the recognition and acceptance of the necessities of life. By understanding the laws and structures that govern reality (necessity), individuals can achieve freedom, as it allows them to navigate and interact with these constraints in a conscious and self-determined manner.
4. "Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion."
- Hegel acknowledges the vital role of passion in driving human achievements. This quote suggests that emotional investment and fervor are essential ingredients in the pursuit of greatness, whether in the arts, sciences, or any endeavor.
5. "History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."
- This quote reflects Hegel's philosophical view of history as a dialectical process, where progress often comes through conflict and resolution. It humorously and somewhat cynically suggests that wisdom and rational action often emerge only after all other, less rational options have been tried and failed.
6. "The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with the falling of the dusk."
- The owl of Minerva (a symbol for wisdom) taking flight at dusk symbolizes Hegel's belief that philosophical understanding or wisdom comes only at the end of an historical epoch. This means that true understanding of an era or event can only be achieved in retrospect, after it has concluded.
7. "World history is not the ground of happiness. The periods of happiness are empty pages in it."
- Hegel viewed history as a stage for the development of the spirit (or consciousness) through conflict. This quote suggests that happiness and periods of peace are not the focus of historical progress; rather, it's the struggles, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the evolution of human consciousness and society.