Full Idea
If the highest upon which I can reflect, what I can contemplate, is my empty and pure, naked and mere ego, with its autonomy and freedom: then rational self-contemplation, then rationality is for me a curse - I deplore my existence.
Gist of Idea
Life and rationality are pointless if we can only contemplate the freedom of our own ego
Source
Friedrich Jacobi (Letters to Fichte [1799], Ch.2), quoted by Simon Critchley - Continental Philosophy - V. Short Intro
Book Reference
Critchley,Simon: 'Continental Philosophy - Very Short Intro' [OUP 2001], p.27
A Reaction
This is a rebellion against Fichte's interpretation of Kant. It is a lovely cry from the heart on behalf of everyone who resents lines of philosophical thinking that seem to imprison the mind and cut us off from the ordinary world and real life.