d by those who are unable to characterise it distinctly； — to show
wherein it consists； so as to enable us to decide whether a thing is rational or irrational。 An
adequate definition of Reason is the first desideratum； and whatever boast may be made of strict
adherence to it in explaining phenomena； — without such a definition we get no farther than mere
words。 With these observations we may proceed to the second point of view that has to be
considered in this Introduction。
II。 Essential destiny of Reason
§ 18
The enquiry into the essential destiny of Reason — as far as it is considered in reference to the
World — is identical with the question； what is the ultimate design of the World？ And the
expression implies that that design is destined to be realised。 Two points of consideration suggest
themselves： first； the import of this design — its abstract definition； and secondly； its realisation。
§ 19
It must be observed at the outset； that the phenomenon we investigate — Universal History —
belongs to the realm of Spirit。 The term “World；” includes both physical and psychical Nature。
Physical Nature also plays its part in the World's History； — and attention will have to be paid to
the fundamental natural relations thus involved。 But Spirit； and the course of its development； is our
substantial object。 Our task does not require us to contemplate Nature as a Rational System in
itself — though in its own proper domain it proves itself such — but simply in its relation to Spirit。
On the stage on which we are observing it； — Universal History — Spirit displays itself in its most
concrete reality。 Notwithstanding this （or rather for the ve