How did Johann Gottfried von Herder describe human beings as liberated members of creation?

Johann Gottfried von Herder described the human individual as the "first liberated member of creation" because human instincts and sensitivities are subject to reflection, or "broken off" (gebrochen).1

Rather than viewing consciousness and reflective discernment (Besonnenheit) as merely "higher" faculties added to an animal foundation, Herder argued that these qualities define the structure of the individual as a whole. This unique structure encompasses human desires and sensitivities that are qualitatively distinct from those of other creatures, allowing humans to exist in a state where their natural impulses are mediated by reflection.1