grundlinien.de

56

β) Through formation, the determination that something is mine acquires an externality subsisting on its own account, and ceases to be restricted to my presence in this space and at this time, and to the presence of my knowing and willing.

Formation is, in this respect, the mode of taking possession most adequate to the Idea, since it unites the subjective and the objective within itself; it is, moreover, infinitely various according to the qualitative nature of the objects and the diversity of subjective ends. – To this also belongs the formation of the organic, in which what I do to it does not remain something external but is assimilated: the tilling of the soil, the cultivation of plants, the taming, feeding, and tending of animals; further, mediating arrangements for the use of elemental materials or forces, contrived effects of one material upon another, and so forth.

DE ES

Comments

3 responses to “56”

  1. Hegel (Notes) Avatar
    Hegel (Notes)

    [zu § 56] β) My will presents itself objectively – representing objectively – in the sign representing subjectively
    Forming makes α) my will objective, external, abiding, and β) leaves the thing objective – and lets the thing remain abiding

    [zu § 56 Anm.] Taking possession is completed only through consuming, desire – in β) provision – for future use.
    Tending, feeding the animals – it*) works over the form – does not remain external – forming here in general, that I do something to it – to it, insofar as it is living, self-standing. – Tending, i.e. not shooting fish, game, to the point of extermination – not catching away the brood of fish. – Taming – producing a habit in them –
    Mills; – windmills –
    *[above: ] that is, what I do to it

  2. Eduard Gans (Additions) Avatar
    Eduard Gans (Additions)

    This forming can, empirically, take on the most varied shapes. The field which I cultivate is thereby formed. In relation to the inorganic, the forming is not always direct. If, for example, I build a windmill, I have not formed the air, but I make a form for the utilization of the air, which may not for that reason be taken from me, because I have not formed it myself. Even my sparing of game can be regarded as a mode of forming, for it is a conduct with a view to the preservation of the object. Only the training of animals is, admittedly, a more direct forming, proceeding more from myself.

  3. Hegel (Simple) Avatar
    Hegel (Simple)

    § 56: Forming

    When I work on a thing, my labor stays in it. Then my possession no longer depends on my standing next to it. The form shows it, even when I am far away.

    That is why forming is the best way to take possession of something. In it, inside and outside come together. My plan is visible in the thing. And the thing lasts.

    Forming means many things:

    Making a chair. Tilling a field. Planting and tending fruit trees. Taming, feeding and herding animals. With living things my labor does not stay outside. The living thing takes it into itself. The tended tree grows differently.

    Sometimes I form only indirectly. If you build a windmill, you do not form the wind. But you create a form to use the wind. Even someone who spares game instead of wiping it out forms it in his own way.

    Summary: In forming, my will stays in the thing for good. That is why it is the most perfect way of taking possession. It reaches from a piece of work to the care of plants and animals.

Leave a Reply