Ideas from 'Fath and Love, or the King and Queen' by Novalis [1798], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Philosophical Writings' by Novalis (ed/tr Stoljar,M.M.) [SUNY 1997,0-7914-3272-6]].

green numbers give full details    |     back to texts     |     unexpand this idea


24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / b. Monarchy
The whole point of a monarch is that we accept them as a higher-born, ideal person
                        Full Idea: The distinguishing character of the monarchy lies precisely in the fact of belief in a higher-born person, of voluntary acceptance of an ideal person. I cannot choose a leader from among my peers.
                        From: Novalis (Fath and Love, or the King and Queen [1798], 18)
                        A reaction: Novalis was passionately devoted to the new king and queen of Prussia, only a few years after the French Revolution. This attitude seems to me unchanged among monarchists in present day Britain. Genetics has undermined 'higher-born'.