German Enlightenment at Revolution's Dawn E-Book

JOHANN GOTTFRIED HERDER

• Herausgeber: epubli
• Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Two groundbreaking texts from the German Enlightenment—one written on the eve of the French Revolution, the other during its early years—available in modern English translation for the first time. Christoph Martin Wieland's "The Secret of the Order of Cosmopolitans" (1788) offers a fascinating exploration of secret societies and moral dilemmas on the precipice of revolutionary change. "Such an oath creates a state within a state," warns Wieland, a prominent Freemason, as he examines the shadowy world of Illuminati and cosmopolitan ideals just before the old order would collapse. Johann Gottfried Herder's "Ideas for a Philosophy of the History of Mankind" presents a comprehensive theory of human development written as the revolution unfolded. "Rome disturbed the balance of the world, and under its sway, a world bled. What new order will rise from this upheaval?" Herder asks, developing a philosophy of progress that remains surprisingly relevant today. Together, these works provide an intimate window into German intellectual life during one of history's most pivotal moments—revealing how Enlightenment thinkers grappled with questions of governance, progress, and human nature as the world transformed around them. Both texts are thoroughly annotated by editor Jean Delaube, providing essential context and insights for modern readers.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

GERMAN ENLIGHTENMENT AT REVOLUTION'S DAWN

WIELAND: THE SECRET OF THE ORDER OF COSMOPOLITANS

Introduction

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

HERDER: IDEAS FOR A PHILOSOPHY OF THE HISTORY OF MANKIND, Book 15

Introduction

I

II

III

IV

V

Editorial Note

Commentary

DELAUBE: AFTERWORD

Glossary

Timeline

Imprint

WIELAND - HERDER – DELAUBE (EDITOR)

Introduction

A little over fourteen years have passed since the historian of the Greek city of Abdera reported on a conversation between Hippocrates and Democritus, in which they discussed a certain invisible society. According to his account, this society had existed for millennia under the name of the Cosmopolitans. Allegedly, it surpassed all other secret societies in effectiveness and influence on world history.

The historian made only a passing mention of this unknown order. Nevertheless, the reference attracted great attention—for whatever reason. Many readers found this mention puzzling and wanted to learn more about the mystery.

Their curiosity was further heightened by another event: A famous man of the same decade made urgent appeals to all ranks and classes of the nation. He requested a sum of thirty thousand thalers for the establishment of an institute of great importance to the entire world. In doing so, he addressed the "Cosmopolitans" with particular emphasis and confidence. This public acknowledgment removed any remaining doubts about the existence of the secret society.

Not long afterward, events unfolded exactly as the Cosmopolitans had foreseen. Their invisibility was inevitable, for a true Cosmopolitan can never be a member of another secret society at the same time—anyone who makes such a decision forfeits their status at once. In spite of all thorough investigations, the true members of this order—those who were truly unique—remained hidden. However, other individuals of the time developed ambitious plans. They believed they could realize their undertakings more swiftly if they appropriated a name that, for many years, seemingly no one had publicly claimed. They exploited the name of the Cosmopolitans as an ownerless commodity. Whenever it served their purposes, they styled themselves as "Cosmopolitans" or "World Citizens" to create the impression that they possessed the secret so cryptically mentioned by the author of the Abderite history.

It remains open to debate whether they acted solely as shrewd strategists or if, in all their endeavors, they truly believed in the veracity of their actions. The latter seems entirely possible. Deceived by their own imagination, they may indeed have convinced themselves that they were something they were not. In trying to understand the concept of a world citizen, they quickly arrived at a supposed revelation: that the enlightenment of the world was the principal instrument through which the Cosmopolitans wielded their immense influence over worldly affairs.

Their success seldom matched their ambitious hopes. This, too, had been foreseen by the true Cosmopolitans—without considering them enemies or opposing them from the start. There is no need to elaborate further on this matter. However, we shall add the following:

Anyone who convinces themselves that another slogan—such as "Enlightenment" (so similar to the misleading term "Illumination" that one could hardly expect a better fate for it)—might bring them greater happiness is gravely mistaken. For the true Cosmopolitans will no longer tolerate secret societies—which, in both their internal structure and the way they seek recognition from humanity, are their absolute antithesis—either usurping their name or fostering the illusion that they pursue the same goals and employ the same means under a different name. Any form of collaboration, whether through the admission of individual members or a broader alliance, is entirely unthinkable.