These institutions constitute, in the particular sphere, the constitution — that is, rationality developed and actualized — and are therefore the firm basis of the state, as well as of the confidence and disposition of individuals toward it, and the pillars of public freedom, since in them particular freedom is realized and rational, so that in them, in itself, the union of freedom and necessity is present.
It has already been remarked earlier that the sanctity of marriage and the institutions in which civil society appears as ethical constitute the firmness of the whole, that is, that the universal is at the same time the concern of each individual as a particular. What matters is that the law of reason and of particular freedom interpenetrate, and that my particular end become identical with the universal; otherwise the state hangs in the air. The self-feeling of individuals constitutes its actuality, and its firmness is the identity of those two sides. It has often been said that the end of the state is the happiness of the citizens; this is indeed true: if they are not well, if their subjective end is not satisfied, if they do not find that the state as such is the mediation of this satisfaction, then it stands on weak feet.
§ 265: The Pillars of Freedom
The institutions form the constitution in the particular sphere. In them, reason has developed and become actual.
What do they do?
They are the firm basis of the state. The citizens’ confidence in the state rests on them. They are the pillars of public freedom. For in them particular freedom has become real and rational. In them, freedom and necessity are one.
A state up in the air:
My particular purpose must become one with the universal. Otherwise the state hangs in the air. People say that the purpose of the state is the happiness of its citizens. That is true. If the citizens do not fare well, the state stands on weak feet.
Summary: The institutions are the pillars of freedom. The citizens’ confidence rests on them. Without the welfare of its citizens, the state stands on weak feet.
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