sistent
life dare not feed on the mere analysis of consciousness or on the
material which it already possesses.

History shows how a self-subsistent life is not created through the mere
succession of events, but is always found as a life which is superior to
the perpetual changes of Time. Consequently, every real Knowledge has
something _sub specie aeternitatis_ as its essence, and this
differentiates it from all mere relativism.

The movement of History culminates alternately in _Concentration_ on the
one hand, and in _Expansion_ on the other: _Positive_ and _Critical_
epochs alternate. Both aspects are necessary for the growth of life.

In modern times the growth of the Expansion-side of life has destroyed
in a large measure the equilibrium of life; and the task to-day is to
construct a new Concentration-side.

Such a new Concentration is possible: the experience of History
testifies to its presence in several epochs; and there is a deep longing
for it in many quarters to-day.

In order to attain to such a Concentration the "dead-level" life of the
present must be overcome, and a turn must take place towards a new
Metaphysic of Life.

Such is the problem to-day, and no complete answer is to be found in the
past systems of Metaphysics. "The possibilities of Life and [p.244] of
Knowledge are in no way exhausted, but it is only through our own
courage and actions that the possibilities can become actualities"
(_Erkennen und Leben_, p. 161).

The various systems of Thought need a synthesis which will include them
all. It is difficult to-day to obtain a theory of life which does not
leave out of account some essential elements. Is there a possibility of
discovering such a synthesis? I believe that Eucken's works answer this
question. But we wait eagerly for the appearance of his greatest work,
and I think that, when it appears, he will more than ever deserve
Windelband's designation of him as "the creator of a new Metaphysic."

* * * * *

APPENDIX [p.245]

* * * * *

LIST OF EUCKEN'S WORKS

1866. "De Aristotelis docendi ratione." Pars I. De particularis. This was
the Doctor's dissertation at Goettingen University.

1868. "Ueber den Gebrauch der Praepositionem bei Aristoteles."

1870. "Ueber die Methode und die Grundlagen der Aristotelischen Ethik"
(Separatabdruck aus dem Programm des Frankfurter Gymnasiums von 1870).