Since we did not choose our desires, we are not free when we act from desire. This argument is reminiscent of Kant rather than Hegel, but Hegel goes along with it up to a point. Let us follow it a little further. If we are not free when we act from desire, it seems that the only possible path to freedom is to purge oneself of all desires. But what would then be left? Kant’s answer is: reason. Motivation to action can come from desires, or from reason. Do away with the desires, and we are left with pure practical reason.
Similar to Buddhist philosophy, but not identical. Buddhism does not place a similar emphasis on reason. Also, the either/or choice between desire and reason is a false dichotomy. I can desire certain things based on the application of reason, for example.
