Although Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) was chosen as the guide for the group by Henry C. Brokmeyer (1826–1906), their interests were not so much in theoretical abstractions as in understanding their own life and times, particularly the U.S. Civil War. According to Denton Jacques Snider (1841–1925), their goals were “to philosophize … practical life,” to be able to give a rational account of their vocations, and achieve self-realization. They also wanted to contribute to the future greatness of society. Philosophy for them was closer to a religious practice than an academic one.