Ideas from 'General Draft' by Novalis [1799], by Theme Structure
[found in 'Philosophical Writings' by Novalis (ed/tr Stoljar,M.M.) [SUNY 1997,0-7914-3272-6]].
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1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly
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22026
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Philosophy is homesickness - the urge to be at home everywhere
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Full Idea:
Philosophy is actually homesickness - the urge to be everywhere at home.
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From:
Novalis (General Draft [1799], 45)
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A reaction:
The idea of home [heimat] is powerful in German culture. The point of romanticism was seen as largely concerning restless souls like Byron and his heroes, who do not feel at home. Hence ironic detachment.
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15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 6. Idealisation
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19591
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Desire for perfection is an illness, if it turns against what is imperfect
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Full Idea:
An absolute drive toward perfection and completeness is an illness, as soon as it shows itself to be destructive and averse toward the imperfect, the incomplete.
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From:
Novalis (General Draft [1799], 33)
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A reaction:
Deep and true! Novalis seems to be a particularist - hanging on to the fine detail of life, rather than being immersed in the theory. These are the philosophers who also turn to literature.
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