master spirit

The master spirit of this society is the convict Harcamone, in solitary confinement, awaiting the guillotine.

From Time Magazine Archive

All other beings who approached Goethe either were, or had been, or might be, more or less modified by the action of that universal and master spirit.

From Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad with Tales and Miscellanies Now First Collected Vol. I (of 3) by Mrs. (Anna) Jameson

Meanwhile the master spirit of the nation—Santa Anna—had not been idle in the midst of his disheartening reverses.

From Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican Vol. 1 of 2 A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time; With a View of the Ancient Aztec Empire and Civilization; A Historical Sketch of the Late War; And Notices of New Mexico and California by Brantz Mayer

M. Léon Faucher, who has the reputation of firmness and ability and who seems to be the master spirit of the Ministry, presented the official programme to the Assembly.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol III, No 13, 1851 by Various

One to be the master spirit, one to be the slave awoke, One to shape itself obedient to the fiery words we spoke, Flame and flood and stars and mountains from the primal waters broke.

From The Divine Vision and Other Poems by A.E.