Finding an idea—that is, distinguishing it among several feelings in the external world by feeling—from several perspectives by seeing—from several experiences and facts by experiencing—seeking out—the right thought from several thoughts—distinguishing, thinking out the tool of the idea. This requires a physiognomical sense of the diverse expressions, tools of the idea. I must understand the art of reasoning from the idea to its appearance.

Novalis, Logological Fragments II, in Philosophical Writings, translated and edited by Margaret Mahony Stoljar