The decisive step in Dante's reflections occurs with the assertion that originally, in an unhistorical time before man's revolt against God-symbolized for Dante in the construction of the tower of Babel-there was only a single language for all men. The fragmentation of this original language begins with the erection of the tower of Babel and, what is essential to this, work-the variety of differently structured activities. For Dante work means to convey a meaning to natural things and thereby to transform them with regard to some particular yet unattained goal. (Ernesto Grassi)

The decisive step in Dante's reflections occurs with the assertion that originally, in an unhistorical time before man's revolt against God-symbolized for Dante in the construction of the tower of Babel-there was only a single language for all men. The fragmentation of this original language begins with the erection of the tower of Babel and, what is essential to this, work-the variety of differently structured activities. For Dante work means to convey a meaning to natural things and thereby to transform them with regard to some particular yet unattained goal.

Ernesto Grassi

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assertion babel construction erection essential goal men language meaning natural original particular regard revolt single step time tower transform variety work yet means fragmentation things dante

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