olition。 For a person is a specific existence； not man in general （a term to which no
real existence corresponds）； but a particular human being。 The term “character” likewise
expresses this idiosyncrasy of Will and Intelligence。 But Character prehends all peculiarities
whatever； the way in which a person conducts himself in private relations； &c。； and is not limited
to his idiosyncrasy in its practical and active phase。 I shall； therefore； use the term “passion；”
understanding thereby the particular bent of character； as far as the peculiarities of volition are not
limited to private interest； but supply the impelling and actuating force for acplishing deeds
shared in by the munity at large。 Passion is in the first instance the subjective； and therefore
the formal side of energy； will； and activity — leaving the object or aim still undetermined。 And
there is a similar relation of formality to reality in merely individual conviction； individual views；
individual conscience。 It is always a question； of essential importance； what is the purport of my
conviction； what the object of my passion； in deciding whether the one or the other is of a true and
substantial nature。 Conversely； if it is so； it will inevitably attain actual existence — be realised。
§ 27
From this ment on the second essential element in the historical embodiment of an aim； we
infer — glancing at the institution of the State in passing — that a State is then well constituted and
internally powerful； when the private interest of its citizens is one with the mon interest of the
State； when the one finds its gratification and realisation in the other； — a proposition in itself very
imp