conditions of an external material of given means from which it may obtain its support； and the
objects of its activity。 It supplies its own nourishment and is the object of its own operations。
While it is exclusively its own basis of existence； and absolute final aim； it is also the energising
power realising this aim； developing it not only in the phenomena of the Natural； but also of the
Spiritual Universe — the History of the World。 That this “Idea” or “Reason” is the True； the
Eternal； the absolutely powerful essence； that it reveals itself in the World； and that in that World
nothing else is revealed but this and its honour and glory — is the thesis which； as we have said；
has been proved in Philosophy and is here regarded as demonstrated。
§ 13
In those of my hearers who are not acquainted with Philosophy； I may fairly presume； at least； the
existence of a belief in Reason； a desire； a thirst for acquaintance with it； in entering upon this
course of Lectures。 It is in fact； the wish for rational insight； not the ambition to amass a mere heap
of acquisitions； that should be presupposed in every case as possessing the mind of the learner in
the study of science。 If the clear idea of Reason is not already developed in our minds； in beginning
the study of Universal History； we should at least leave the firm； unconquerable faith that Reason
does exist there； and that the World of intelligence and conscious volition is not abandoned to
chance； but must show itself in the light of the self…cognisant Idea。 Yet I am not obliged to make
any such preliminary demand upon your faith。 What I have said thus provisionally； and what I shall
have furthe