The Karma of Materialism

The Karma of Materialism

Rudolf Steiner examines the effects of scientists’ failure to examine thinking itself since the beginning of the so-called scientific revolution. This has led to a materialistic attitude in human culture that generates what Steiner calls “the karma of materialism.” He explains that there is a lack of harmony between the human intellect, which involves the physical body and life forces, and the sense of morality, which involves the most recent aspect of our human constitution—our individuality, or I-being.

Contents:

• Foreword by Owen Barfield
• Forgotten Aspects of Cultural Life
• False Analogies
• Rhythm in Breathing and Cognition
• Spiritual Courage versus Indolence
• Christ and the Present
• Reflections on the Times
• Luther (two lectures)
• Spiritual Science and Insight

About the Author

Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe’s scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner’s multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.