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nt in them — their
interest and that of their cravings and impulses; their views and judgments; though exhibited as the
merely formal side of their existence; — was spoken of as having an infinite right to be consulted。
The first idea that presents itself in speaking of means is that of something external to the object;
and having no share in the object itself。 But merely natural things — even the monest lifeless
objects — used as means; must be of such a kind as adapts them to their purpose; they must
possess something in mon with it。 Human beings least of all; sustain the bare external relation
of mere means to the great ideal aim。 Not only do they in the very act of realising it; make it the
occasion of satisfying personal desires; whose purport is diverse from that aim — but they share in
that ideal aim itself; and are for that very reason objects of their own existence; not formally
merely; as the world of living beings generally is — whose individual life is essentially subordinate
to that of man; and is properly used up as an instrument。 Men; on the contrary; are objects of
existence to themselves; as regards the intrinsic import of the aim in question。 To this order
belongs that in them which we would exclude from the category of mere means; … Morality; Ethics;
Religion。 That is to say; man is an object of existence in himself only in virtue of the Divine that is in
him; — that which was designated at the outset as Reason; which; in view of its activity and power
of self…determination; was called Freedom。 And we affirm — without entering at present on the
proof of the assertion …that Religion; Morality; &c。 have their foundation and source in th