States, nations and individuals appear with their own particular principle. It shows in their constitution and their whole life. They know about it, and they lose themselves in their interests.

What happens here?

At the same time they are unconscious tools of the world spirit. Their shapes pass away. But in them spirit prepares its passage to its next stage.

Summary: Nations and individuals pursue their own ends consciously. At the same time they are unconscious tools of the world spirit. Through them it reaches the next stage.