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general result of the history of Philosophy is this： in the first place； that throughout all time there has
been only one Philosophy； the contemporary differences of which constitute the necessary aspects
of the one principle； in the second place； that the succession of philosophic systems is not due to
chance； but represents the necessary succession of stages in the development of this science； in the
third place； that the final philosophy of a period is the result of this development； and is truth in the
highest form which the self…consciousness of spirit affords of itself。 The latest philosophy contains
therefore those which went before； it embraces in itself all the different stages thereof； it is the
product and result of those that preceded it。 We can now； for example； be Platonists no longer。
Moreover we must raise ourselves once for all above the pettinesses of individual opinions；
thoughts； objections； and difficulties； and also above our own vanity； as if our individual thoughts
were of any particular value。 For to apprehend the inward substantial spirit is the standpoint of the
individual； as parts of the whole； individuals are like blind men； who are driven forward by the
indwelling spirit of the whole。 Our standpoint now is accordingly the knowledge of this Idea as
spirit； as absolute Spirit； which in this way opposes to itself another spirit； the finite； the principle of
which is to know absolute spirit； in order that absolute spirit may become existent for it。 I have
tried to develop and bring before your thoughts this series of successive spiritual forms pertaining
to Philosophy in its progress； and to indicate the connection between them。 This series is the true
kingdom of spirits； the only kingdom of spirits that there is … it is a series which is not a multiplicity；
nor does it even remain a series； if we understand thereby that one of its members merely follows
on another； but in the very process of coming to the knowledge of itself it is transformed into the
moments of the one Spirit； or the one self…present Spirit。 This long procession of spirits is formed
by the individual pulses which beat in its life； they are the organism of our substance； an absolutely
necessary progression； which expresses nothing less than the nature of spirit itself； and which lives
in us all。 We have to give ear to its urgency … when the mole that is within forces its way on … and
we have to make it a reality。 It is my desire that this history of Philosophy should contain for you a
summons to grasp the spirit of the time； which is present in us by nature； and … each in his own
place … consciously to bring it from its natural condition； i。e。 from its lifeless seclusion； into the light
of day。
I have to express my thanks to you for the attention with which you have listened to me while I
have been making this attempt； it is in great measure due to you that my efforts have met with so
great a measure of success。 And it has been a source of pleasure to myself to have been
associated with you in this spiritual community； I ought not to speak of it as if it were a thing of the
past； for I hope that a spiritual bond has been knit between us which will prove permanent。 I bid
you a most hearty farewell。
（The closing lecture of the series was given on the 22nd March； 1817； on the 14th March； 1818；
on the 12th August； 1819； on the 23rd March； 1821； on the 30th March； 1824； on the 28th
March； 1828； and on the 26th March； 1830。）
The End