Sartor Resartus · Chapter
VII: Organic Filaments explained
Teufelsdröckh explores the interconnectedness of humanity across generations, describing how thoughts, traditions, and institutions form 'organic filaments' that weave the past, present, and future together.
What happens
Teufelsdröckh explores the interconnectedness of humanity across generations, describing how thoughts, traditions, and institutions form 'organic filaments' that weave the past, present, and future together. He reflects on the gradual nature of change, the unity of mankind through sympathy and necessity, and the role of hero-worship as a cornerstone of politics. The Editor struggles to comprehend Teufelsdröckh's radical political views, which challenge conventional notions of freedom, representation, and obedience.
Themes in this chapter
Historical and Social Transformation
Teufelsdröckh describes the gradual, interconnected process of societal change through organic filaments, where creation and destruction occur simultaneously.
The Heroic and Individual Self
Hero-worship is presented as a universal and enduring cornerstone of politics, with examples from Voltaire's Paris to the nature of kingship.
Critique of Society and Materialism
The Editor notes Teufelsdröckh's 'inextinguishable Radicalism' and his scepticism toward mechanical solutions like the ballot-box, critiquing superficial notions of freedom.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
Delivers the central discourse on organic filaments, hero-worship, and the interconnectedness of humanity across time.
- The Editor
Expresses astonishment and difficulty in understanding Teufelsdröckh's political philosophy, particularly his radicalism and indifference to contemporary issues.
- Voltaire
Cited as an example of hero-worship in Paris, where even a sceptic could command adoration from princes and the public.
- Luther
Mentioned in the context of historical progression, where Luther's actions were appropriate for his time but insufficient for later ages.
- Napoleon
Referenced indirectly through the discussion of fighting titles and the nature of kingship.
Key passages
“In the living subject, change is wont to be gradual: thus, while the serpent sheds its old skin, the new is already formed beneath.”
Change in living things is gradual; as the old is cast off, the new is already developing underneath.
Teufelsdröckh uses the metaphor of a snake shedding its skin to illustrate how societal transformation occurs incrementally.
“It is thus that the heroic heart, the seeing eye of the first times, still feels and sees in us of the latest; that the Wise Man stands ever encompassed, and spiritually embraced, by a cloud of witnesses and brothers; and there is a living, literal Communion of Saints, wide as the World itself, and as the History of the World.”
The wisdom and vision of past heroes continue to live on in us, so that the wise person is always surrounded by a spiritual community of predecessors, forming a universal communion across time.
Teufelsdröckh emphasizes the enduring influence of past thinkers and the interconnectedness of all generations.
“True is it that, in these days, man can do almost all things, only not obey. True likewise that whoso cannot obey cannot be free, still less bear rule; he that is the inferior of nothing, can be the superior of nothing, the equal of nothing.”
In modern times, humans can accomplish nearly anything except obedience. Yet without the ability to obey, one cannot be truly free or fit to lead; being inferior to nothing means being superior to nothing and equal to nothing.
Teufelsdröckh argues that obedience is essential for freedom and leadership, critiquing the rebellious independence of the age.