asaris

Well, as far as Hegel goes, it's generally assumed that you can't understand him. I'd be willing to say that, if you think you understand Hegel, you don't understand Hegel. But, of course, even if one does not have a comprehensive understanding of something, that doesn't mean that one can't say some true things on that subject. What I posted here is my understand of Hegel -- I'm sure that there are plenty of people who would disagree with it.

And thanks for the kind words. As it turns out, I've been studying philosophy for about six years now, so if I can't turn out a sentence or two about most philosophers, I'm in trouble

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"Die Deutschen meinen, daß die Kraft sich in Härte und Grausamkeit offenbaren müsse, sie unterwerfen sich dann gerne und mit Bewunderung:[...]. Daß es Kraft giebt in der Milde und Stille, das glauben sie nicht leicht."

"The Germans believe that power must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty and then submit themselves gladly and with admiration[...]. They do not believe readily that there is power in meekness and calm."

-- Friedrich Nietzsche