with the conditions of mere nature — internal and external — it will indeed meet in these not only
opposition and hindrance； but will often see its endeavours thereby fail； often sink under the
plications in which it is entangled either by Nature or by itself。 But in such case it perishes in
fulfilling its own destiny and proper function； and even thus exhibits the spectacle of
self…demonstration as spiritual activity。
§ 85
The very essence of Spirit is activity； it realises its potentiality — makes itself its own deeds its own
work — and thus it bees an object to itself； contemplates itself as an objective existence。 Thus
is it with the Spirit of a people： it is a Spirit having strictly defined characteristics。； which erects
itself into an objective world； that exists and persists in a particular religious form of worship；
customs； constitution and political laws； — in the whole plex of its institutions； — in the events
and transactions that make up its history。 That is its work — that is what this particular Nation is。
Nations are what their deeds are。 Every Englishman will say： We are the men who navigate the
ocean； and have the merce of the world； to whom the East Indies belong and their riches； who
have a parliament； juries； &c。… The relation of the individual to that Spirit is that he appropriates to
himself this substantial existence； that it bees his character and capability； enabling him to have
a definite place in the world — to be something。 For he finds the being of the people to which he
belongs an already established； firm world — objectively present to him — with which he has to
incorporate himself。 In this its work； therefore