Novalis, Miscellaneous Remarks: Introduction

Abstract

T WAS at Friedrich Schlegel's request that Novalis (Friedrich von Hardenberg) offered a collection of 125 aphorisms for the new periodical, Athendium. Schlegel published them in the first issue in 1798, though not precisely in the form in which Novalis had sent them. Consistent with the principle of Symphilosophie that characterized the Jena group, Schlegel broke up certain fragments to give them a more pointed turn, omitted a few (used subsequently in the publication), and inserted some of his own. This collection was published under the title Pollen [Bliithenstaub], which Novalis supplied. (It was here, incidentally, that the pseudonym Novalis first appeared in print.) Although the copy that Novalis sent for publication has not survived, an earlier but substantially complete draft in Novalis's hand entitled Miscellaneous Remarks [Vermischte Bemerkungen] did. This is the version translated here. Miscellaneous Remarks reflects the impact of a wide range of contemporary philosophy and scientific theory on Novalis, as well as his association with the leading figure of the Jena Romantics, Friedrich Schlegel, whom he had first met in 1792. Novalis was twentyfive when he put together the collection, and while it represents a significant stage in his rapid development as a thinker and poet, other major work still lay ahead, notably, the novel Heinrich von Ofterdingen, the poetry cycle Hymnen an die Nacht, and extensive notations on philosophy, religion, literature, and science which were clearly intended for use in future theoretical projects. Only one other collection of fragments by Novalis came out in his lifetime, Faith and Love [Glauben und Liebe], in 1798. By the fall of 1800 his tubercular condition had become acute and he died the following year. For Novalis the fragment as a form was both congenial and strategic. In relation to Friedrich Schlegel's conception-A fragment must, like a little work of art, be entirely isolate from the surrounding world and complete in itself like a hedgehog' -Novalis's manner is more open and exploratory. In a letter he characterized his