(Conversation-book, February, 1820.)
[Literally the passage in Kant’s “Critique of Practical Reason” reads as
follows: “Two things fill the soul with ever new and increasing wonder
and reverence the oftener the mind dwells upon them:--the starry sky
above me and the moral law in me.”]
263. “Blessed is he who has overcome all passions and then proceeds
energetically to perform his duties under all circumstances careless of
success! Let the motive lie in the deed, not in the outcome. Be not one
of those whose spring of action is the hope of reward. Do not let
your life pass in inactivity. Be industrious, do your duty, banish all
thoughts as to the results, be they good or evil; for such equanimity is
attention to intellectual things. Seek an asylum only in Wisdom; for
he who is wretched and unhappy is so only in consequence of things. The
truly wise man does not concern himself with the good and evil of
this world. Therefore endeavor diligently to preserve this use of your
reason--for in the affairs of this world, such a use is a precious art.”
(Diary. Though essentially in the language of Beethoven there is
evidence that the passage was inspired by something that he had read.)
264. “The just man must be able also to suffer injustice without
deviating in the least from the right course.”
(To the Viennese magistrate in the matter of Karl’s education.)
265. “Man’s humility towards man pains me; and yet when I consider
myself in connection with the universe, what am I and what is he whom we
call the greatest? And yet here, again, lies the divine element in man.”
(To the “Immortal Beloved,” July 6 (1800?).)