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Full Idea
We ought to have the firm and unconquerable belief that there is reason in history.
Gist of Idea
We should all agree that there is reason in history
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (Introduction to the Philosophy of History [1840], 2)
Book Ref
Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of History', ed/tr. Rauch,Leo [Hackett 1988], p.13
A Reaction
This is a ridiculous but hugely influential idea, and I have no idea what makes Hegel believe it. It is the Stoic idea that nature is intrinsically rational, but extending it to human history is absurd. Human exceptionalism. Needs a dose of Darwin.