From Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1834) we note both the left (e.g. Marx) and right have used his philosophy in their own interests. Here are two paraphrased quotes and applicable today. ---Freedom under law is a constructive force. Freedom from law is impossible in nature and destructive in society. ---Morality must be a common bond, not an individual preference. An amusing anecdote about Hegel, famous for his opacity, is this. When asked what a particularly difficult paragraph in one of his books actually meant, Hegel responded, "When I wrote it, only God and I understood its meaning. Now only God does." ------------ Another quote but not from Hegel: The embers of enlightenment may glow for centuries before catching fire. ------------- Speaking of philosophy, I could give a course on Immanuel Kant***, a philosopher difficult to understand. I could, in my lectures, give 50 of his philosophical issues with appropriate responses...
Random thoughts and used ideas