This book provides a comprehensive collection of Hegel’s earliest writings and reflections, spanning his youth through his formative years. It includes diaries, early school essays, sermons, studies, and correspondence that illuminate his philosophical development. Each section captures Hegel’s grappling with questions central to his later work, including religion, ethics, and metaphysics, in addition to his emerging views on society and culture.
The Diary (1785-1787) opens the collection, offering glimpses into Hegel’s youthful thought processes. Works from High School (1785-1788) present essays on topics like ancient religions, poetry, and the value of classical Greek and Roman literature, illustrating Hegel’s early reflections on culture and aesthetics.
The section Four Sermons (1792-1793) reveals Hegel’s engagement with Christian teachings, while Studies (1792/93-1794) offer more focused contemplations on the role and nature of religion in society, including discussions on tradition and public authority. These writings underscore Hegel’s critical approach to religion as a societal institution.
In A Manuscript on Psychology and Transcendental Philosophy (1794), Hegel explores psychology and metaphysical questions about the mind and knowledge, signaling his early interest in transcendental philosophy. Further Studies (1795) continue to address themes such as transcendental ideas, historical knowledge, and republican ideals.
The reflective piece The Life of Jesus (1795) illustrates Hegel’s attempt to re-evaluate religious narratives within a philosophical framework, portraying his effort to reconcile faith with rational inquiry.
Hegel’s Report on an Alpine Hike (1796), written for his friend Hölderlin, demonstrates his appreciation of nature and possibly the inspiration he drew from it. Undated Texts cover diverse subjects, including comments on Lessing, humanity, and philosophical debates of his time.
The Notices of Lost Works section lists other works Hegel wrote during these years that are now lost, adding insight into his extensive intellectual activities and explorations. The Appendix concludes with notes on the editorial principles, details on dating the texts, and a bibliography that aids in understanding the collection’s structure and Hegel’s early intellectual growth.
Together, these texts offer readers a view into Hegel’s intellectual and spiritual journey, showing the roots of ideas that would define his later philosophy.
Simon Gros 
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