Schiller, that is to say, conceives of man as composed of three basic impulses the motivational Formtrieb, the Sachtrieb, and the Spieltrieb.It is this third impulse, the *Spieltrieb *discovered by Schiller at the very center of human nature, which enables man to escape from the exclusive domination of the first two impulses, to enter into a state of reciprocal action and of harmonious union with his fellows, and to. rejoice in freedom as a total unit
Formtrieb (Form impulse/drive): This refers to the rational, intellectual, or formal drive in human nature. It's associated with reason, order, structure, and moral laws. The Formtrieb pushes us toward abstract thinking, universal principles, and organizing our experience according to rational categories. Sachtrieb: This appears to be a misprint or variant. Schiller typically refers to the Stofftrieb or more commonly the Sinntrieb or Sinnlicher Trieb (sensuous impulse/drive). This represents our physical, sensory, material nature - our desires, emotions, and sensual experiences. It's tied to our immediate experiences and physical needs.
Spieltrieb (Play impulse/drive): This is Schiller's innovative concept that mediates between the previous two drives. The play drive integrates our rational and sensuous natures. Through play and aesthetic experience, humans can harmonize these competing aspects of their nature. The Spieltrieb allows us to experience freedom because it liberates us from the exclusive domination of either pure reason or pure sensation.