191

|196| Likewise, the means for particularized needs, and, in general, the ways of their satisfaction, divide and multiply themselves — these means becoming, in turn, relative purposes and abstract needs — a multiplication proceeding into the infinite, which is, in just the same measure, a differentiation of these determinations and a judging of the suitability of the means to their purposes — refinement.

DE ES

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2 responses to “191”

  1. Eduard Gans (Additions) Avatar
    Eduard Gans (Additions)

    What the English call comfortable is something altogether inexhaustible and proceeding into infinity, for every comfort in turn reveals its own discomfort, and these inventions never come to an end. A need is therefore produced not so much by those who have it in an immediate way, as rather by those who seek a profit through its arising.

  2. Hegel (Simple) Avatar
    Hegel (Simple)

    § 191: Refinement

    With the needs, the means multiply too. And these means turn into new needs again.

    An example:

    You need a chair. Then you want a cushion for it. Then a cover for the cushion. Then a matching table. Every comfort reveals a new discomfort. This goes on without end.

    The English call this “comfort”. It never runs out.

    Who creates the new needs?

    Often not those who have them. Rather those who want to earn money from them. The trader awakens the wish that he then fulfills.

    Summary: The means multiply without end and become needs themselves. We call this refinement. New needs often come from those who earn money from them.

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