(Reason) comes from vernehmen (to comprehend), therefore Vernunft means a capacity to comprehend the so-called “Supersensuous,” i.e., ?e?e?????????a, or Cloud-cuckoo-town.

This pretty notion met with boundless, approval, and for the space of thirty years was constantly repeated in Germany with immense satisfaction; indeed, it was made the foundation of philosophic manuals. And yet it is as clear as noon-day that of course Vernunft (Reason) comes from. vernehmen (to comprehend), but only because Reason makes man superior to animals, so that he not only hears, but also comprehends (vernimmt) — by no means, what is going on in Cloud-cuckoo-town — but what is said, as by one reasonable person to another, the words spoken being comprehended (vernommen) by