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146

β) The substance, in this its actual self-consciousness, knows itself, and is thereby an object of knowing. For the subject, the ethical substance, its laws and powers, have, on the one hand, the relation of an object, in this sense: that they are, in the highest sense of self-subsistence — an absolute authority and power infinitely firmer than the being of nature.

The sun, moon, mountains, rivers — the surrounding natural objects in general — are; for consciousness they have the authority not only of being in general, but also of having a particular nature that consciousness lets stand, conducting its behaviour toward them, its dealings with them, and its use of them accordingly. |158| The authority of the ethical laws is infinitely higher, because natural things represent rationality only in a wholly external and isolated way, and conceal it under the shape of contingency.

DE ES

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2 responses to “146”

  1. Hegel (Notes) Avatar
    Hegel (Notes)

    Subject αα) is ethical – stands in the unity – is in accordance – ββ) consciousness of the α) relation to duties, they are fixed – γγ) gives testimony – has itself therein thus – spirit – [Ethical laws] are – likewise in itself – as existing, – divine powers – form, divine commandments, authority or eternal determinations of reason – indifferent.
    Are for the subject – subject free – duties are as essential – free – identity – universal being, custom

  2. Hegel (Simple) Avatar
    Hegel (Simple)

    § 146: Firmer than mountains

    For the individual, the ethical laws are at first simply something that is. They face him like a reality.

    A comparison with nature:

    The sun, the moon, mountains and rivers are simply there. We adapt to them. We do not build houses in the river. We do not sow in winter. Nature has authority for us.

    The ethical laws have a much higher authority still. Why?

    Because in nature, reason appears only hidden and by chance. A river is here and not there, for no deeper reason. In the ethical laws, by contrast, reason shows itself openly. They are firmer than any mountain.

    Summary: The ethical laws face the individual as something that is. They have more authority than the things of nature. For in them, reason itself comes to light.

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