Science Of Freedom Workbook
Text: "The Philosophy of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner
Module 2.3 Chapter 2 The Fundamental Desire For Knowledge
2.3 Realism
Naturalism
If one would really know the external world, one must turn one's eye outwards and acquire experience.
Theism
Without experience Mind can have no content.
Intuitionism
Similarly, when we carry out actions, we have to realize our intentions on the real, practical level with the help of material things and forces. In other words, we are dependent on the external world.
Worldview Of Realism
"One thing is clear — there is a world spread out around us."
"I recognizes the external world; that is something I see and can think about."
"I restrict myself to what I see around me."
Rudolf Steiner, Human And Cosmic Thought lectures
The worldview of Realism is built on the foundational belief in the external world and its direct influence on our understanding and actions. It should be obvious, but let's breakdown topic 2.3 Realism to see how it is an expression of the worldview of Realism. Topic 2.3 encapsulates a worldview that places paramount importance on the observable, external reality. This perspective contends that our mind's content and our actions in the world are fundamentally intertwined with our experiences and interactions in the external tangible world.
"If one would really know the external world, one must turn one's eye outwards and acquire experience."
This statement underscores the essentiality of observation and direct experience. It suggests that genuine knowledge of the world doesn't come merely from introspection or inner contemplation. Instead, one must actively engage with the environment, gathering information through sensory perceptions. The external world is something we "see and can think about." Essentially, true understanding is a result of direct interaction with the world around us.
"Without experience Mind can have no content."
Experience, in this context, acts as the fuel for the mind. Without external experiences to process and contemplate, the mind remains empty or barren. This emphasizes the interconnectedness between the individual and the environment; our thoughts, beliefs, and ideas are shaped and informed by our experiences in the tangible world.
"Similarly, when we carry out actions, we have to realize our intentions on the real, practical level with the help of material things and forces. In other words, we are dependent on the external world."
Beyond just gathering knowledge, this statement touches on the realm of action. Even our most profound ideas or intentions must manifest in the material world to hold significance. Whether it's building a bridge, writing a poem, or planting a tree, the realization of our goals requires interaction with physical entities and forces. This highlights our inherent dependency on the external world not just for understanding but also for actualizing our intentions.
MODULE 2.3 Realism
□ STEP 2.3 From one-sided realism focused on the external world, to discerning the separation caused by being overly dependent on the external world.
1. INTRODUCTION
In this module we dive into the realm of Realism. It's a journey of balance, of harmonizing the tangible with the intangible, ensuring that while we are rooted in reality, we're also attuned to the whispers of our souls. Realism, at its heart, is a worldview anchored in the tangible, observable external world that surrounds us. It tells us to turn our gaze outward, to interact, and to draw knowledge from the vast expanse that lies outside of our inner selves. This external realm, teeming with its multifaceted experiences, enriches the content of our minds, providing substance to our thoughts and ideas. Yet, like the two faces of a coin, Realism too has its dual facets.
On one side, Realism equips us with the practicality to navigate through life. It insists on the necessity of experience; without which our minds would be barren landscapes. This perspective underscores our actions in the external world, urging us to incorporate our intentions using the resources and realities that the world presents. It offers a grounded approach, shaping our understanding based on what we can see, hear, and touch.
While the external world serves as a treasure trove of knowledge and experiences, an excessive dependence on it can erode our innate drive for visionary goals or higher purposes. Such an unbalanced perspective might starve us of the motivation derived from idealism and abstract thought. It's a delicate dance between drawing from the world while not letting it overshadow our inner compass. Add to this the danger of perennially seeking external validation from others, and we see a brewing concoction of diminished self-trust and reduced self-awareness.
It's in this nuanced interplay between the external world and the Self that "guided curiosity" finds its resonance. Being genuinely curious means not just accepting the world as it presents itself but probing deeper, understanding the boundaries and, importantly, remaining vigilant to the separation between our inner selves and the vast universe outside caused by a one-sided realistic view. It's about questioning, reflecting, and deriving a balanced understanding that marries the empirical with the ethereal.
We will allow the external to inform us, but not at the cost of dimming our inner light. It's a journey of balance, of harmonizing the tangible with the intangible, ensuring that while we are rooted in reality, we're also attuned to the whispers of our souls.
Worldview Of Realism: Realism is the stance that emphasizes the existence and importance of the external world surrounding us, which can be perceived, observed, and studied. Within this worldview, knowledge is primarily derived from one's interaction and experience with the world that is spread out around them.
External World: In the context of realism, the external world encompasses all that exists outside, all that is spread out around us that can be seen and thought about. This includes tangible matter like trees, rocks, and rivers. A broader understanding includes intangible phenomena like relationships, feelings, and concepts, whatever is real that the Self can direct its attention toward. Whereas materialism emphasizes the physical entities that constitute reality, realism's external world concept is broader, recognizing both the tangible and the intangible as genuine facets of existence.
Overly Dependent On The External World: Being overly dependent on the external world refers to the excessive reliance on external experiences, stimuli, or validations to inform one's beliefs, feelings, or actions. It implies a diminished focus on individual agency.
Guided Curiosity
Guided curiosity involves intentional exploration and inquiry, driven by genuine interest and an urge to understand. Being aware of the separation between the World and Self is essential for this. If one is overly dependent on the external world, their curiosity might be passive, merely reacting to external stimuli. Recognizing this separation ensures that curiosity is proactive, directed, and not entirely molded by external factors. It involves a conscious choice of where to direct one's attention and what questions to ask, rather than being led solely by external influences. This balanced approach ensures a deeper, more holistic understanding, as it marries external exploration with internal reflection.
2. LIFE EXAMPLES
Scenario: Neighborly Misjudgment
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: An individual has always seen their neighbor as reserved and aloof, based on their limited interactions. They avoided contact as much as possible.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: When a mutual friend reveals that the neighbor is actually very humorous and vibrant when you get to know him, the individual struggles to believe it. Their limited experience with the neighbor causes them to miss out on forming a potentially close bond with a multi-faceted individual.
Scenario: Avid Theatergoer
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: This individual adores classic theater plays, immersing themselves in the ambiance of live stage performances, believing they capture the genuine essence of storytelling.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: When a friend invites them to a virtual reality (VR) drama experience, they're dismissive, thinking, "If it's not on a physical stage, it can't be good theater." Their preconceived notions restrict them from venturing into innovative dramatic experiences that technology now provides.
Scenario: City Resident
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: Living amidst the skyscrapers and busy streets, a city resident has been conditioned by the fast-paced life. The cacophony of car horns, the constant rush, and the pressure of urban living have always been their norm. Their experience has led them to believe that this tireless hustle is the essence of really living.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: On a work assignment, they have to spend a month in a serene small town. The relaxed pace, the tight-knit community, and the family-value driven life seem alien and, to some extent, inefficient to them. Their entrenched city views, based solely on their urban experiences, make them dismissive of the richer, community-oriented aspects of small-town living. They turn down a transfer opportunity to move their family to the small town.
Scenario: Family Trade
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: Growing up, a young man always saw his father working as a carpenter. He admired the craftsmanship and skill and acquired practical carpentry experience. He had always planned to follow in his father's footsteps without exploring other avenues.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: At a job fair, he meets people from diverse professions - from software development to art curation. They share fascinating stories of their careers, and he realizes he might have had other passions. His limited experience, based only on his father's trade, might have led him to overlook other potential career paths that would have been equally, if not more, fulfilling.
Scenario: Antique Collector
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: The antique collector prides themselves on their ability to find treasures in flea markets and old shops. They have a knack for spotting valuable items based on their personal experiences and knowledge derived from years of interacting with the physical world of antiques.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: When presented with an item from a culture they're unfamiliar with, they immediately dismiss its value, thinking, "If I haven't seen it before, it can't be of much worth." Their reliance solely on personal experience blinds them to the potential value of the artifact, not considering its cultural significance or historical importance outside of their limited frame of reference.
Scenario: Coffee Lover
Stage 1 - Worldview Of Realism: This individual frequents only one local artisan coffee shop, convinced that it serves the finest brew in town, based on the several delightful experiences they've had there.
Stage 2 - Overly Dependent On External World: When colleagues suggest trying a newly opened coffee shop with a unique brewing method, they decline, thinking, "If it's not from my favorite spot, it can't be good." Their singular experience denies them the potential joy and flavor profiles that other establishments might offer.
3. THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM TOPIC 2.3 QUOTE
"If one would really know the external world, one must turn one's eye outwards and acquire experience. Without experience Mind can have no content."
This quote underscores the essential relationship between experience and knowledge. Consider a person who has never tasted chocolate but tries to understand its flavor through descriptions alone. They might get a vague idea, but without the direct experience of tasting it, they'll never truly know its unique sweetness and texture. Similarly, imagine someone who learns about riding a bicycle only by reading about it but never actually hops on one. They might understand the mechanics, but the actual balance, the feeling of the wind against their face, and the joy of cycling remain out of reach.
The quote emphasizes that true understanding or awareness of the external world can't be attained merely through introspection or theory; instead, one must actively engage with the world, observing it, interacting with it, and gathering firsthand experiences.
The assertion that "Without experience Mind can have no content" speaks to the foundational role experience plays in forming our beliefs, ideas, and understanding. The mind can indeed be filled with abstract concepts. These concepts can be the result of introspection, philosophical pondering, and logical reasoning. For instance, ideas like love, freedom, and infinity are abstract notions that don't have a tangible existence but are vital components of human thought and discourse. However, even these abstract concepts often have roots in our experiential world.
Consider the abstract concept of "freedom." Although freedom is a concept we grasp intellectually, its meaning is deeply tied to real-world experiences. For instance, an American university student might view freedom as the ability to choose their major, voice their opinions openly on social media, or travel on a whim for a gap year. Their understanding is rooted in the expansive liberties they've always known. Contrast this with a Cuban refugee in America, who might view freedom as the basic right to express political dissent without fear, to own and operate a private business, or to access uncensored global news. Their appreciation for freedom might stem from a history of experiencing or witnessing its absence. Without personal experiences of what it feels like to lack freedom, our idea of freedom would be empty or shallow. It is through direct interaction with the world that abstract concepts, like freedom, gain depth, nuance, and true understanding in our minds.
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF PURE THINKING
Objective: Experience the joy of soaring into the realm of concepts.
How do our beliefs correspond to the real world? Is truth a matter of this correspondence? What is the role of scientific inquiry in our everyday life to enhance our knowledge of the external world? What are the dangers of universalizing one's own personal experience to encompass the experiences of many?
5. AMILIA'S QUEST FOR MEANING
Amilia had it all. A picturesque home on the edge of town, a husband, David, who was the personification of commitment, and the admiration of friends who constantly reiterated how fortunate she was. The evenings would often find them on their balcony, the golden hue of the sunset enveloping them, while David spoke of dreams, love, and forever. To the world, their life was nothing short of a fairy tale.
Yet, with each passing day, a void inside Amilia seemed to grow. Every compliment, every congratulatory pat on the back, every envious glance felt hollow. The trappings of her seemingly perfect life began to feel like just that – trappings. A silent, inescapable yearning began to gnaw at her, the origins of which she couldn't decipher. David, sensing her restlessness, tried everything to appease her: vacations, surprise date nights, discussions about future plans, and even suggesting personal retreats for her to rediscover herself.
But the existential angst only deepened. One evening, Amilia found herself at an art gallery downtown. The colors, the strokes, the expressions, all beckoned to her, but one artist stood out - Alejandro. He painted life not as it was, but as it felt. Speaking to him, Amilia felt an inexplicable connection. Alejandro spoke of his travels, of living out of a backpack, of discovering spirituality in the lap of the Himalayas. Each word he uttered made Amilia's heart race. The art, Alejandro's words, the promise of a spiritual quest; it all seemed to point her towards the answer she so desperately sought.
Torn between the life she knew and the life she imagined, Amilia confronted David. She spoke of her yearning, her conversations with Alejandro, and her desire to embark on a spiritual journey. David, devastated yet understanding, suggested she spend time reflecting on what she truly sought. However, instead of introspection, Amilia saw in Alejandro's world a gateway to the spiritual awakening she yearned for. She made a heart-wrenching choice. She would leave with Alejandro, believing that in the embrace of new surroundings and under his guidance, she would find her answers.
The initial days of adventure and novelty with Alejandro gave way to a more profound realization. While she had changed her surroundings and companionship, the void persisted. Alejandro, once the symbol of her quest, now seemed as adrift as she was, often losing himself in the very vices they had sought to escape.
One fateful day, she received a letter from David. He spoke not of pain or betrayal but of understanding. He wrote of his own journey of introspection after her departure, realizing that true spiritual growth was not an external quest but an inward one. He had practiced exercises to discipline his mind, not to forget her but to discover true meaning and hoped one day she would discover the same.
The truth hit Amilia hard. She had been seeking answers in the world, blaming her external circumstances for her internal turmoil. Becoming overly dependent on the external world, she had believed that changing her surroundings would fill the void. This caused her to overlook the crucial factor of her existential crisis: her inner turmoil. It wasn't the world she needed to escape but her own unresolved emotions, fears, and desires.
She entered the new art studio Alejandro had provided for her. Surrounded by paints, brushes, and canvases, she waited for inspiration. The essence of her life's quest lay before her on the easel: a blank canvas. And as she held her brush, poised to paint, the profound understanding of her journey came full circle. While the external world offered myriad colors and narratives, her true story, her authentic self, could only be painted from within.
She stands in front of that canvas, brush in hand. The canvas remains blank, mirroring her own internal emptiness. The scene encapsulates her predicament - while she's surrounded by colors and tools to paint her story, she's yet to dive within to create it. The core of her crisis remains: the challenge of recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from changing her surroundings, but from internal growth and self-awareness.
6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF OVER-DEPENDENCE ON THE EXTERNAL
Objective: Adopt an individualistic attitude aligned with principles of freedom.
- Sensory Awareness Walks: Go for a walk where your primary objective is to be aware of your senses. Feel the wind, listen to the sounds, and observe the colors. This heightened sensory experience amplifies the distinction between your internal state and the external world.
- Challenging Assumptions: Whenever you form a belief or make a decision based solely on external information, challenge yourself by asking, "What internal values, beliefs, or intuitions am I not considering?" This can be applied in choices ranging from what to purchase, where to work, or how to respond in a relationship. By consistently questioning the exclusive dominance of external factors, you train your mind to seek a balance between external realities and internal truths.
- Experience Fast: Choose a day or even just a few hours to intentionally avoid new external stimuli. This might mean no TV, no social media, no reading - just you and your thoughts. By temporarily removing these external influences, you can begin to discern which of your daily habits and thoughts are genuinely yours and which are reactions to the outside world.
7. CLOSING THOUGHTS
In our journey of guided curiosity, the realm of realism offers a profound understanding of the world that surrounds us. It encourages us to anchor our understanding in the tangible and observable facets of life. Realists, with their commitment to what's perceptible, ensure that our decision-making is rooted in reality. When policies are shaped or decisions made, the realist's influence guarantees they aren't merely abstract theory but are aligned with the practicalities of the world we inhabit.
Yet, the beauty of a true realist is in the balance they strike. While they acknowledge the external world's paramount importance, they don't become its prisoners. This restraint from over-dependence on the external paves the way for bursts of creativity and intuition. It's in this delicate equilibrium that some of the most innovative solutions are birthed—solutions that, while being visionary, don't lose touch with reality.
Realism's inherent nature promotes the empowering principle of self-reliance. It's not just about understanding the world but also about taking charge of one's place within it. By emphasizing individual agency, realists inspire us all to be more proactive, to take the reins of our lives into our own hands, and to be responsible for our actions.
In a world rife with complexities and conflicts, the realist's lens becomes ever so crucial. When disputes arise, it's easy to get lost in ideological battles and forget the core issues at hand. Realists, with their grounded perspective, ensure that disagreements are approached with clarity, focusing on the tangible aspects rather than getting mired in abstract debates. This often leads to resolutions that are not just effective but also pragmatic.
Realism stands as a beacon, reminding us of the importance of the world outside, while also cautioning us against losing ourselves entirely to it. It's a call to engage, to understand, but also to introspect and innovate.
