Full Idea
Because slavery exists in states, it is a phase of advance from the merely isolated sensual existence - a phase of education - a mode of becoming participant in a higher morality and the culture connected with it.
Gist of Idea
State slavery is a phase of education, moving towards a full culture
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (The Philosophy of History [1840], p.98), quoted by Stephen Houlgate - An Introduction to Hegel 08 'Rights'
Book Reference
Houlgate,Stephen: 'An Introduction to Hegel' [Blackwell 2005], p.187
A Reaction
[He adds that slavery should be removed slowly, not suddenly] A nicely provocative thought. Is it better to participate in something grand (like pyramid building) as a slave, or drift in dull isolation? How long should this 'phase' last?
Related Idea
Idea 12784 Allow no more miracles than are necessary [Leibniz]