of freedom to its pure universal form； that state in which the spiritual essence attains the
consciousness and feeling of itself。 These grades are the ground…principles of the general process；
but how each of them on the other hand involves within itself a process of formation； —
constituting the links in a dialectic of transition； — to particularise this may be reserved for the
sequel。
§ 64
Here we have only to indicate that Spirit begins with a germ of infinite possibility； but only
possibility； — containing its substantial existence in an undeveloped form； as the object and goal
which it reaches only in its resultant — full reality。 In actual existence Progress appears as an
advancing from the imperfect to the more perfect； but the former must not be understood
abstractly as only the imperfect； but as something which involves the very opposite of itself — the
so…called perfect — as a germ or impulse。 So — reflectively； at least … possibility points to
something destined to bee actual； the Aristotelian is also potentia； power and might。 Thus the
Imperfect； as involving its opposite； is a contradiction； which certainly exists； but which is
continually annulled and solved； the instinctive movement — the inherent impulse in the life of the
soul — to break through the rind of mere nature； sensuousness； and that which is alien to it； and to
attain to the light of consciousness； i。e。 to itself。
§ 65
We have already made the remark how the mencement of the history of Spirit must be
conceived so as to be in harmony with its Idea — in its bearing on the representations that have
been made of a primitive “natural condition；” in which fr