Hochverehrte Gäste, liebe Kolleginnen!

Gestatten Sie mir, mit einer kleinen persönlichen

Bemerkung zu beginnen. (1:5)

The principle of nature (Grundsatz vom Wesen) –

the principle which states that every object has

its nature and that every nature is the nature of

an object – would collapse if nature (essence) and

object were one and the same thing. (2:154)

The “artistic structure” (Gebilde) has its immanent

organic law to which the “master” must

submit if his or her creation is to be a work of art

rather than a mere “artifact” (Machwerk). The formal

structures which artists mold have their own

nature, a nature which “unfolds” before their very

eyes. (2:157-158)

As far as the individual thing is concerned, the

possibility of its not being would become inconceivable,

and the distinction between finite and

eternal being would disappear. (2:154-155)

The unfolding of a triangle, for example, differs

from the way a melody unfolds itself. But these

several modes of unfolding have something in

common if we compare them with that entirely

different unfolding which pertains to the form of

real objects. (2:159)

In a spatial structure (Raumgestalt) unfolding of

the essence is actualised in spatial expansion.

And in a temporal structure (Zeitgestalt) – as for

example, in a musical tune or in an experiental

unit – the unfolding of the essence (Wesensentfaltung)

is actualized in a temporal sequence.

Space and time thus pertain to these particular

modes of being. (2:158)

Poetic characters are “true” or “real” to the extent

that they are kept within the confines of the possibilities

of the essence (Wesensmöoglichkeiten).

(2:162)

A “potential being” without a “something” whose

being it is, cannot be posited. (2:185)

Space is an “abyss”, an “absolute and quasi-universal,

bottomless depth. It is that which in its

emptiness is beyond all measure,” but in this very

boundlessness it is “the basis of everything that is

measurable of every structure that is constituted

in external, measurable proportions.” Matter is

essentially spatial. “Where there is matter or anything

material, there is space. No previously given

space is needed. (2:189)

It is possible to conceive of a spatially effectuated

(raumhaft ausgewirkt) body which is born up from

within, but in such a way that it is held totally “in

suspense” (in der Schwebe). Such a body is thorougly

grounded in energy (Kraft). (2:190)

(…) in the form of absolute transcendence, flight

from self, and emptiness. (2:189)

It cannot be weighted down internally, and thus

become a burden unto itself; and it represents a

“genuine material entity” (…) Its quiescence of

space is the calm of strength, while the quiescence

of matter is the calm of impotence. (2:190)

Ihnen die herzlichsten Wünsche und Grüsse,

Ihre E. St. (1:196)