248 THE WOBLD-ENEEGY 



In one respect then, this relation of mutual exclusion 

 is one of independence and individuality on the part of 

 the particularized phases of the universal potency. So 

 that even with the least adequate phase of its develop- 

 ment, individuality shows itself to be the vital fusion of 

 universality and particularity. 



In another respect, however, it appears here as some- 

 thing determined or given explicit existence through 

 external agencies. So that, while in its character of an 

 explicit realization or manifestation of the universal 

 potency it possesses validity and independence , yet as 

 being only a partial, inadequate realization of that 

 potency, it proves to be wanting in validity and hence to 

 be quite dependent. 



Such is the contradiction inherent at every stage in the 

 finite individual. The contradiction varies in degree and 

 yet never wholly disappears. 



It is essential to note further, indeed, that with the 

 initial stage in which we are here considering it, individu- 

 ality is rather a premonition than a realization; though 

 as being the incipient stage of realization, it is especially 

 important that it should be observed and properly char- 

 acterized. Indeed, individuality can be properly under- 

 stood only by tracing the dialectic of its development 

 from that stage where it is indistinguishable from 

 mere particularity as a simple mode of universality to 

 that stage in which it is seen to be the concrete and abso- 

 lute fulfilment of universality in its total significance as 

 the divine individual, the "absolute, divine Spirit," as 

 Aristotle named it. 



A particularized phase of the universal potency, then, 

 so far as it has attained to the semblance of individuality 



