Page:Novalis Schriften - Volume 2.djvu/170

★ 160 ★ vanish, that pedantism of businessmen that allows them them to put a unique value on their efforts and an infallible worth upon their opinions, that makes judgements on all things based on their own sphere of interest and their point of view, and tempts higher authorities to take one-sided, irregular half-measures. These small-town ways are visible everywhere and inhibit most true republicanism, the general participation of the entire state, the intimate contact and harmony of all members of the state. The king should have yet more military and civilian aides. Build for them the greatest state academy of practical politics, just like that greatest of state military schools. A place in both would already be reward and encouragement enough. For the king, this rotating company of the most honorable young men of his country would be most pleasant and beneficial. But for the young men, however, these years of apprenticeship would be the most glorious celebration of their lives, the occasion for a lifelong enthusiasm. Personal love would bind them forever to their sovereign, and the king would have the best opportunity to get to know his servants well, to choose, to respect and to love them personally. The noble simplicity of royal private life, the image of this happy, intimately connected couple, would have the most benevolent influence on the moral education of this core of Prussian youth, and so the king would most easily be granted the innate desire of his heart, to become the true reformer and restorer of his nation and his time.

32. Nothing more should be closer to the heart of the king than to be and to stay as well-rounded, as informed, well-oriented, and unbiased,