Meaning: The quote by Karl Schlegel reflects the Romantic era's fascination with the Absolute and the Infinite, two concepts that were central to the intellectual and artistic movements of the time. Friedrich Schlegel, a leading figure of German Romanticism, is known for his exploration of these philosophical ideas in his literary works and critical essays. In this quote, Karl Schlegel, who was Friedrich's older brother, offers a humorous and somewhat exaggerated portrayal of the German writers' preoccupation with these abstract concepts.

The reference to writers in Germany drinking the Absolute like water suggests a deep immersion in metaphysical and transcendental ideas. The Absolute, in philosophical terms, refers to the ultimate reality or the highest truth that transcends the limitations of human perception and understanding. It is a concept often associated with the German Idealist philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, who sought to comprehend the fundamental nature of existence and consciousness.

Similarly, the mention of books in which even the dogs make references to the Infinite highlights the pervasive nature of the Infinite in the literary and intellectual discourse of the time. The Infinite represents an unbounded, limitless expanse that extends beyond the finite world of human experience. It encompasses ideas of eternity, boundlessness, and the sublime, all of which were central themes in Romantic literature and art.

During the Romantic era, German writers and thinkers were deeply influenced by the idealistic philosophy and the transcendentalist ideas that emerged from the works of Kant and the German Idealists. This intellectual milieu gave rise to a profound interest in exploring the boundaries of human knowledge, the nature of the self, and the relationship between the individual and the universe.

In literature, the Romantic writers sought to express the ineffable, the unattainable, and the transcendent through their works. They delved into themes of nature, the supernatural, the irrational, and the mystical, often using symbolism, allegory, and vivid imagery to evoke the sublime and the infinite. The quote by Karl Schlegel captures the spirit of this artistic and intellectual movement, portraying the German writers as being consumed by their contemplation of the Absolute and the Infinite.

The Romantic fascination with the Absolute and the Infinite extended beyond literature and philosophy to encompass music, art, and the natural sciences. Composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner sought to convey profound emotional and spiritual experiences through their music, often drawing inspiration from transcendental themes. Artists such as Caspar David Friedrich depicted awe-inspiring landscapes and mystical scenes that evoked a sense of the sublime and the infinite. Meanwhile, scientists and naturalists explored the mysteries of the natural world, seeking to uncover the underlying laws and forces that govern the universe.

In conclusion, the quote by Karl Schlegel encapsulates the Romantic era's preoccupation with the Absolute and the Infinite, reflecting the profound influence of German Idealist philosophy and the transcendentalist ideas of the time. It offers a whimsical yet insightful perspective on the pervasive presence of these abstract concepts in the intellectual and artistic pursuits of the period. The Romantic fascination with the ineffable, the transcendent, and the boundless continues to resonate in the legacy of the movement, shaping the way we perceive and engage with the mysteries of existence and the universe.