《哲学史-philosophy of history(英文版)》philosophy of history(英文版)-第16章
willed and acplished something great; not a mere fancy; a mere intention; but that which met the case and fell in with the needs of the age。 This mode of considering them also excludes the so…called “psychological” view; which — serving the purpose of envy most effectually … contrives so to refer all actions to the heart; — to bring them under such a subjective aspect — as that their authors appear to have done everything under the impulse of some passion; mean or grand; — some morbid craving; — and on account of these passions and cravings to have been not moral men。 Alexander of Macedon partly subdued Greece; and then Asia; therefore he was possessed by a morbid craving for conquest。 He is alleged to have acted from a craving for fame; for conquest; and the proof that these were the impelling motives is that he did that which resulted in fame。 What pedagogue has not demonstrated of Alexander the Great — of Julius Caesar — that they were instigated by such passions; and en; — whence the conclusion immediately follows that he; the pedagogue; is a better man than they; because he has not such passions; a proof of which lies in the fact that he does not conquer Asia; — vanquish Darius and Porus; — but while he enjoys life himself lets others enjoy it too。 These psychologists are particularly fond of contemplating those peculiarities of great historical figures which appertain to them as private persons。 Man must eat and drink; he sustains relations to friends and acquaintances; he has passing impulses and ebullitions of temper。 “No man is a hero to his valet…de…chambre;” is a well…known proverb; I have added — and Goethe repeated it ten years later — “but not because the former is no hero; but because the latter is a valet。” He takes off the hero"s boots; assists him to bed; knows that he prefers champagne; &c。 Historical personages waited upon in historical literature by such psychological valets; e poorly off; they are brought down by these their attendants to a level with — or rather a few degrees below the level of — the morality of such exquisite discerners of spirits。 The Thersites of Homer who abuses the kings is a standing figure for all times。 Blows — that is beating with a solid cudgel — he does not get in every age as in the Homeric one; but his envy; his egotism; is the thorn which he has to carry in his flesh; and the undying worm that gnaws him is the tormenting consideration that his excellent views and vituperations remain absolutely without result in the world。 But our satisfaction at the fate of Thersitism also; may have its sinister side。 § 35 A World…historical individual is not so unwise as to indulge a variety of wishes to divide his regards。 He is devoted to the One Aim; regardless of all else。 It is even possible that such men may treat other great; even sacred interests; inconsiderately; conduct which is indeed obnoxious to moral reprehension。 But so mighty a form must trample down many an innocent flower…crush to pieces many an object in its path。 § 36 The special interest of passion is thus inseparable from the active development of a general principle: for it is from the special and determinate and from its negation; that the Universal results。 Particularity contends with its like; and some loss is involved in the issue。 It is not the general idea that is implicated in opposition and bat; and that is exposed to danger。 It remains in the background; untouched and uninjured。 This may be called the cunning of reason; — that it sets the passions to work for itself; while that which develops its existence through such impulsion pays the penalty and suffers loss。 For it is phenomenal being that is so treated; and of this; part is of no value; part is positive and real。 The particular is for the most part of too trifling value as pared with the general: individuals are sacrificed and abandoned。 The Idea pays the penalty of determinate existence and of corruptibility; not from itself; but from the passions of individuals。 § 37 But though we might tolerate the idea that individuals; their desires and the gratification of them; are thus sacrificed; and their happiness given up to the empire of chance; to which it belongs; and that as a general rule; individuals e under the category of means to an ulterior end; — there is one aspect of human individuality which we should hesitate to regard in that subordinate light; even in relation to the highest; since it is absolutely no subordinate element; but exists in those individuals as inherently eternal and divine。 I mean morality; ethics; religion。 Even when speaking of the realisation of the great ideal aim by means of individuals; the subjective element in them — their interest and that of their cravings and impulses; their views and judgments; though exhibited as the merely formal side of their existence; — was spoken of as having an infinite right to be consulted。 The first idea that presents itself in speaking of means is that of something external to the object; and having no share in the object itself。 But merely natural things — even the monest lifeless objects — used as means; must be of such a kind as adapts them to their purpose; they must possess something in mon with it。 Human beings least of all; sustain the bare external relation of mere means to the great ideal aim。 Not only do they in the very act of realising it; make it the occasion of satisfying personal desires; whose purport is diverse from that aim — but they share in that ideal aim itself; and are for that very reason objects of their own existence; not formally merely; as the world of living beings generally is — whose individual life is essentially subordinate to that of man; and is properly used up as an instrument。 Men; on the contrary; are objects of existence to themselves; as regards the intrinsic import of the aim in question。 To this order belongs that in them which we would exclude from the category of mere means; … Morality; Ethics; Religion。 That is to say; man is an