The philosophy speaks a lot about doing, but rather little about refraining. However, human achievements can only succeed in the unity of both movements. This motif is pursued by Martin Seel in exemplary studies on the philosophy of language and epistemology on one hand, and on action theory and ethics on the other. This leads to a far-reaching critique of epistemological and moral ideals. The book culminates in the proposal of a revised concept of self-determination: In knowing and acting, it is important to allow oneself to be determined while also determining oneself. In contrast to the one-sidedness found in Hume or Kant, Nietzsche or Heidegger, a balance is established that has often been missed in the tradition.