inconsistent features in their career； for it was they who best understood affairs； from whom
others learned； and approved； or at least acquiesced in their policy。 For that Spirit which had
taken this fresh step in history is the inmost soul of all individuals； but in a state of unconsciousness
which the great men in question aroused。 Their fellows； therefore； follow these soul…leaders； for
they feel the irresistible power of their own inner Spirit thus embodied。 If we go on to cast a look
at the fate of these World…Historical persons； whose vocation it was to be the agents of the
World…Spirit； — we shall find it to have been no happy one。 They attained no calm enjoyment；
their whole life was labour and trouble； their whole nature was nought else but their
master…passion。 When their object is attained they fall off like empty hulls from the kernel。 They
die early； like Alexander； they are murdered； like Caesar； transported to St。 Helena。； like
Napoleon。 This fearful consolation — that historical men have not enjoyed what is called
happiness； and of which only private life （and this may be passed under very various external
circumstances） is capable； — this consolation those may draw from history； who stand in need of
it； and it is craved by Envy — vexed at what is great and transcendent； — striving； therefore； to
depreciate it； and to find some flaw in it。 Thus in modern times it has been demonstrated ad
nauseam that princes are generally unhappy on their thrones； in consideration of which the
possession of a throne is tolerated； and men acquiesce in the fact that not themselves but the
personages in question are its occupants。 The Free Man； we may