Sartor Resartus · Chapter
X: Pause explained
The Editor pauses to reflect on Teufelsdröckh's spiritual and intellectual journey, noting his conversion and newfound calling as a writer.
What happens
The Editor pauses to reflect on Teufelsdröckh's spiritual and intellectual journey, noting his conversion and newfound calling as a writer. The chapter summarizes Teufelsdröckh's progression through growth, entanglement, unbelief, and conversion into a clearer state of moral development, where he embraces his role as a thinker and writer, finding tools in his own brain and pen. The Editor also hints at Teufelsdröckh's possible involvement in a mysterious 'Society for the Conservation of Property.'
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Crisis and Faith
Teufelsdröckh's conversion is framed as a spiritual awakening, moving from unbelief to a state of moral clarity and purpose.
The Role of the Artist and Thinker
Teufelsdröckh embraces writing as his calling, viewing the pen as a wonder-working tool and the writer as a divine creator, akin to a priest.
The Nature of Work and Duty
The chapter emphasizes finding one's tools and doing what one can, with Teufelsdröckh dedicating himself to the task of writing and enduring pain.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
Teufelsdröckh has undergone a conversion, now seeing his calling as a writer and thinker, using his brain and pen as tools. He hints at founding a Society for the Conservation of Property.
- The Editor
The Editor reflects on Teufelsdröckh's biography, decides to pause the examination of his outward life, and summarizes the progress made in understanding the Clothes-Philosophy.
Key passages
“Blame not the word... rejoice rather that such a word, signifying such a thing, has come to light in our modern Era, though hidden from the wisest Ancients.”
Do not criticize the term 'Conversion'; instead, be glad that this concept has emerged in modern times, unknown to ancient philosophers.
Teufelsdröckh defends the modern idea of conversion as a moral advancement.
“Tools? Thou hast no Tools? Why, there is not a Man, or a Thing, now alive but has tools.”
You claim to have no tools? Everything and everyone has tools—even the spider has a spinning-jenny in its head.
Teufelsdröckh argues that every being possesses inherent tools, including the human brain and pen.
“The Word is well said to be omnipotent in this world; man, thereby divine, can create as by a Fiat.”
It is rightly said that the Word is all-powerful; through it, man becomes divine and can create with a command.
Teufelsdröckh extols the creative power of language and writing.