Science Of Freedom Workbook
Text: "The Philosophy of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner
Topic 2.7 Chapter 2 The Fundamental Desire For Knowledge
2.7 Contrast Self
Naturalism
[9] Contrary to all these points of view is a fact that must be emphasized. It is in our own consciousness that we first encounter the basic and primal polarity. It is we, ourselves, who break away from the mother ground of Nature and contrast ourselves as “Self” in opposition to the “World.”
Theism
Goethe has given classical expression to this in his essay “Nature”, even though his way of speaking may sound at first completely unscientific. “Living in the midst of her (nature), yet are we strangers to her. Ceaselessly she speaks to us, yet betrays not her secrets.”
Intuitionism
But Goethe also knows the other side: “Human beings are all within her, and she in each of them.”
Worldview Of Psychism
"ideas are at work in the world, and this implies that there must also be in the world some sort of beings in whom the ideas can live."
"Ideas cannot live just as they are in any external object, nor can they hang as it were in the air."
"ideas are bound up with some being capable of having ideas, ideas are connected with beings."
Rudolf Steiner, Human And Cosmic Thought lectures
"It is in our own consciousness that we first encounter the basic and primal polarity. It is we, ourselves, who break away from the mother ground of Nature and contrast ourselves as 'Self' in opposition to the 'World.'"
The first quote speaks to the basic polarity that arises within human consciousness between the Self and the World. In this worldview, ideas are not just abstract notions floating in space but are deeply tied to beings capable of having these ideas. Here, the Self becomes the vessel or the context within which ideas take form and meaning. The Self, in recognizing itself as separate from the world, becomes a repository for these ideas, thus emphasizing the need for some form of conscious being for ideas to live in.
"Goethe has given classical expression to this in his essay 'Nature,' even though his way of speaking may sound at first completely unscientific. 'Living in the midst of her (nature), yet are we strangers to her. Ceaselessly she speaks to us, yet betrays not her secrets.'"
The second quote encapsulates the notion that while we exist in Nature and are a part of it, we don't fully understand it, as if we are strangers to it. Nature is full of ideas or "secrets" that it doesn't readily reveal. This speaks to the viewpoint that ideas need a conscious entity to be fully realized and understood. Nature "speaks" in ideas, but these ideas don't just exist independently in objects or float aimlessly; they are meant to be grasped, contemplated, and made meaningful by beings capable of cognition.
"But Goethe also knows the other side: 'Human beings are all within her, and she in each of them.'"
The third quote hints at an interconnectedness between humans and Nature. Just as humans are within Nature, Nature is within humans, suggesting a reciprocal relationship. This is in line with the idea that ideas are connected with beings; it implies a form of universal cognition where ideas and the world are interdependent. We are within Nature, and Nature is within us, and it is within this mutual relationship that ideas find a place to live and grow.
These quotes express the idea that ideas don't exist in a vacuum but are fundamentally connected to beings capable of thought. The Self-World polarity, the mysterious yet intertwined relationship with Nature, and the universal interconnectedness all imply that ideas are bound up with conscious beings.
MODULE 2.7 Contrast Self
□ STEP 2.7 From a polarity of consciousness focused on contrasting ourselves as Self in opposition to the World, to discovering the correspondence of Self within World and World within Self.
1. INTRODUCTION
In the quest for freedom, one pivotal step is advancing from a state of mind that views the Self in stark contrast to the World, to a consciousness that perceives a harmonious unity between one's being and nature. This shift is crucial for what we might call "guided curiosity," a deep-seated desire to understand not just oneself, but the intricate web of existence of which we are all a part.
When we linger in a consciousness that accentuates our separateness from the world, it's like standing at the edge of a chasm, yearning for the other side but lacking the bridge to cross over. This mental gap manifests in our lives as emotional isolation and loneliness; though surrounded by people and enveloped by nature, we feel detached. This sense of disconnection can also ferment anxiety and existential dread, intensifying our concerns about purpose and place in a world we view as 'other.'
This separative perspective spills over into societal interactions. Like magnets with similar poles facing each other, people repel rather than connect, contributing to division and polarization. Whether it's politics, race, or religion, we sort ourselves into categories and stick with what's familiar, what's 'us.' This makes it challenging to tackle shared problems that require a common effort, such as providing opportunities for education, skill development, and jobs, as well as to ensure resource sustainability and world peace.
The words of Goethe capture the essence of this dilemma. We live "in the midst of her (nature), yet are we strangers to her." We're like children in a home, aware of our immediate surroundings but oblivious to the foundation that holds the building up. Our detachment from the very fibers of our existence—the world and its interconnectedness—remains one of our most pressing existential threats. We're caught in a cycle where our alienation leads to the ongoing degradation of the planet and world conflict, closing us off from the profound understanding and action that could otherwise arise.
In contrast, when we start to perceive the unity of our being within nature and the world, and vice versa, a transformation occurs. Our guided curiosity begins to function as a bridge that closes the chasm between Self and World. It becomes a form of exploration that is as internal as it is external, fueled by the realization that the keys to understanding 'the Self' are also the keys to understanding 'the World.' As we navigate this bridge, our relationships deepen, both with ourselves and others. Society starts to reflect this unity, becoming more collaborative and less divided, more in harmony with the natural world and less an agent of its destruction.
The passage from polarized Self-World consciousness to a unified vision is not just a personal upgrade; it's a societal evolution. It is the way through which individual well-being and social progress become not just interconnected but indistinguishable. In uniting ourselves with the world through guided curiosity, we take a significant step toward freedom, toward a more enlightened existence that benefits both the individual and the global community.
Polarity of Consciousness: Refers to the fundamental division within human awareness that separates one's sense of self from the external world. It is the mental framework that categorizes experiences into "me" and "not me," creating a dualistic model of existence.
Contrast Self: This concept focuses on the act of setting ourselves apart as a unique individuality ("Self"), contrasting ourselves in opposition to everything else that comprises the world around us. It emphasizes how our consciousness differentiates between our internal realm and the external world, leading us to perceive them as separate and often opposing forces.
Within Nature / Nature Within: This phrase encapsulates the idea that human beings and the natural world are fundamentally interconnected. Both states capture a more unified, holistic view of human existence, transcending the initial phase of "Contrast Self" that focuses on individuality at the expense of broader connection.
- Within Nature: A state of being where an individual recognizes and appreciates their interconnectedness with the world around them. They live "in the midst" of nature or the world, acknowledging that they are a part of larger systems and cycles.
- Nature Within: This is the internalization of the world or nature into one's own being. In this state, the individual is no longer a "stranger" to the world; instead, they understand and internalize its "secrets." This sense of unity makes them aware that the world isn't just something they are in, but also something that exists within them.
Guided Curiosity
Understanding the unity of being within nature and having nature within us shifts our perspective from one of separation to one of interconnectedness. This shift is crucial for 'guided curiosity' because it expands the scope and depth of our inquiry into complex issues like resource sustainability and world peace, taking us beyond surface-level analyses to a more holistic understanding.
If people remain stuck in the "Contrast Self" mode, they might view resource sustainability merely as an external problem, separate from their existence. This stance limits the depth and urgency of their inquiry. However, with a 'guided curiosity' informed by the recognition that we are within nature and nature is within us mindset, they'll not only study the science behind sustainability but will also delve into the ethical, emotional, and existential dimensions. They would look at how their own behaviors contribute to the problem and what social changes are needed. They will explore with curiosity how changing individual and social actions can make a real impact, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.
In the case of world peace, a perspective of separation often limits us to thinking of peace as the absence of war or conflict between different nations, groups, or individuals ('us' vs. 'them'). On the other hand, guided by a curiosity that understands the unity of all beings, the quest for peace becomes more comprehensive. It leads to questions about the underlying causes of conflict—be they economic, psychological, or spiritual—and how they are intertwined with our shared human condition. Acknowledging that 'we are all in this together' paves the way for more cooperative, empathetic, and holistic strategies to attain and maintain peace.
In both examples, discerning the unity of being within nature and nature within us broadens the scope of our 'guided curiosity,' helping us to tackle challenges in a more holistic, integrated manner. It moves us from a reactive stance to a proactive one, where we are not just solving problems but also questioning the frameworks and assumptions that contributed to those problems in the first place.
2. LIFE EXAMPLES
Example: Shopaholic
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: The Shopaholic prides themselves on their extensive collection of clothes and gadgets. They believe their material possessions set them apart from others and define their individuality.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: The Shopaholic begins to recognize that their choices are not isolated, but rather part of a larger whole. We all live in one world and each ones consumer behavior contributes to global issues like resource depletion and environmental degradation that will eventually reach us all.
World Principle Within Self: Embracing nature's principle of "sustainability," they start to question the long-term implications of their actions. This newfound awareness encourages them to make more responsible choices, understanding that their individual actions have a global impact.
Scenario: Conspiracy Theorist
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: The news media is widely reporting on a terrorist gas attack. An individual forms a theory that it is actually a false flag operation orchestrated by the CIA to support an invasion. This places them in opposition to mainstream perspectives, causing tension and discord in their social interactions and leading to accusations of spreading conspiracy theories.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: The individual understands that their viewpoint is not the only one and acknowledges that the mainstream perspectives they reject are shared by experts in various fields. They recognize the need to examine the rationale and evidence for each theory critically.
World Principle Within Self: To support their theory, they delve into the science of chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. They argue that, based on the temperature and pressure conditions reported at the site, the gas in question (e.g., chlorine gas) would not react in a manner consistent with the observed symptoms. Thus, they conclude that the gas could not be what harmed the victims. This results in others taking his theory seriously.
Scenario: Pessimist
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: An individual has a gloomy perspective on life, believing that bad things are more likely to happen than good. This viewpoint places them at odds with more optimistic people and causes friction in relationships.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: The individual acknowledges that their pessimistic view is one of many ways to interpret the world and that other perspectives might have merit.
World Principle Within Self: Through learning about cognitive behavioral theories and the psychology of mindset, the individual realizes that their pessimism is influenced by cognitive biases. Understanding these psychological principles allows them to see the world in a more balanced way, improving their emotional well-being and social interactions.
Scenario: Essential Oils Enthusiast
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: An individual considers themselves a healer, using essential oils for various ailments. They believe essential oils are universally beneficial and dismiss conventional medicine as harmful or ineffective. After not getting the expected healing results, they become frustrated.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: The individual acknowledges that they are part of a broad field of medicine. While essential oils can have benefits, they are not a substitute for conventional medical treatments for serious conditions.
World Principle Within Self: They learn about the principles of pharmacology and realize that the effects of substances, whether natural or synthetic, are governed by dose-response relationships, interactions with biological systems, and other factors. This helps them better understand the limitations and appropriate uses of essential oils in a broader healthcare context.
Example: Seductress
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: The Seductress sees herself as irresistibly charming and believes she is empowering herself by leveraging her allure to manipulate relationships for her gain.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: She becomes aware that her actions are not isolated to a brief fling, but have deep emotional consequences, affecting the mental health of entire families, including children. Undermining families unravels the social fabric, leading to greater societal instability in the world we all live.
World Principle Within Self: She realizes the importance to society of the principle of "Social Cohesion" and begins to question the moral and ethical dimensions of her actions. Families serve as foundational units for socialization, teaching values, norms, and providing emotional support. Stable families create a ripple effect of stability throughout the broader community.
Example: Nationalist Advocate
Stage 1 - Contrast Self: The Nationalist Advocate firmly believes in the superiority of their nation and its people. They view other nations and cultures almost as adversaries, going so far as to encourage conflict or war as a way to assert their nation's dominance.
Stage 2 - Interconnectedness:
Self Within World: Eventually, the Nationalist Advocate starts recognizing the wider implications of conflict—not just for their enemy but for humanity as a whole. They begin to see that in a globalized world, war and suffering in one area have ripple effects that touch all corners of the world, eventually reaching their homeland.
World Principle Within Self: They embrace the global relationship principle of "Diplomacy and Dialogue" to foster peace among nations. This principle emphasizes peaceful negotiations, constructive communication, and mutual understanding as the primary means of resolving conflicts and building lasting relationships between countries.
3. THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM TOPIC 2.7 QUOTE
“Human beings are all within her, and she in each of them.”
In Goethe's poetic utterance there's a profound realization that sweeps away the seemingly rigid boundaries between the Self and Nature. Firstly, when Goethe says, "Human beings are all within her," he points to the inescapable fact that we are deeply embedded in nature's intricate web. We are not merely observers but participants in the natural world. Our bodies are composed of the same elements that make up rivers and mountains; we breathe the air that circulates through forests and fields. Even in our most abstract thoughts or our most sophisticated technologies, we are using resources and principles garnered from nature.
Secondly, "and she in each of them" drives home the idea that nature isn't just an external entity but something that resides within us. By inwardly grasping the principles and laws that govern the world, nature lives within us. While observing the working of nature externally the active principles and laws appear internally.
We're not just collecting data or uncovering facts; we're learning the 'language' of the universe. We're not just solving puzzles or filling gaps in our knowledge; we're engaging in an intellectual rite of passage that binds us more closely to the very fabric of existence. It's like learning the language of a foreign culture. Initially, you're an outsider, a stranger amidst words and expressions you don't comprehend. But as you learn the language, the culture and its people become an integral part of you; the distance shrinks, and a new level of intimacy and connection is achieved.
Similarly, the laws and principles of nature are like the 'language' of the universe. By understanding them, we essentially learn how to 'speak' that language. As we get proficient, we don't just observe or manipulate these laws; we resonate with them by working in harmony with nature.
Initially, we may feel separated from nature, as though we're strangers or tourists in a land that isn't our own. But as we deepen our understanding through the pursuit of knowledge, guided by our inherent curiosity, something transformative happens. The laws and principles we unearth aren't just 'out there'; they're also 'in here', within us. This revelation helps dissolve the perceived barrier between Self and Nature, making us realize that we were never truly separate to begin with.
Understanding this is like returning home after a long journey. You realize the place you were striving to reach was, in some sense, where you started—only now, you see it with new eyes, with a new depth of understanding and appreciation. You are not just in the world; you are intrinsically part of it, just as it is part of you. This holistic understanding, this sense of fundamental unity, is the culmination of this intellectual and existential quest.
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF PURE THINKING
Objective: Experience the joy of soaring into the realm of concepts.
Is the tension between "Self" and "World" more often a hindrance or a catalyst in your quest for meaning? How might understanding nature's principles create a connection between the Self and the World, and where might it fall short? Can gaining knowledge of the evolutionary forces that drive the continuum of the world serve as a foundational basis for morality?
5. THE ETHICAL ALGORITHM
Dr. Alex Harmon sat alone in his cramped office, surrounded by towering shelves of philosophy books and the soft hum of his supercomputer. The flickering candlelight cast ethereal shadows on his contemplative face. "Tonight's the night," he whispered to himself, "Tonight, I'll solve the riddle that's plagued humanity for millennia."
Alex let his eyes wander over the portraits of Plato, Kant, and Goethe adorning his wall. Each intellectual titan had wrestled with the existential discord between the Self and the World. Goethe had poetically encapsulated a sense of this unity, stating, "Human beings are all within her, and she in each of them."
The notion wasn't just poetic; it was epistemological. Humanity's cognitive dissonance could be reconciled through knowledge—knowledge that could internalize the external world. It was as if Rudolf Steiner had whispered in his ear, "Only when we have made the world-content into our thought-content do we find again the unity from which we have separated ourselves."
While these intellectual colossi might have neared the precipice of ultimate understanding, their insights—though profound—remained confined to the pages of esoteric texts and the corridors of academic discourse. They couldn't easily disseminate this intricate understanding to the layperson. Here lay Alex's divergence from those who had walked the path before him; he wielded something that eluded even the great minds of history—the democratizing force of technology, which could imbue every individual with the genius of the Masters.
Years of ceaseless labor and intellectual pursuit had led Alex to this pivotal moment. Fusing cognitive science with intricate algorithms, he was on the cusp of achieving something unprecedented—an AI engineered to not just understand, but to harmonize the human psyche with the world's complexities. Tonight was the night; he would bring this magnum opus to life. When faced with any fragment of worldly phenomena, the AI could discern its deepest governing laws. Conversely, given any law or principle, the AI could extrapolate real-world manifestations, thereby melding the inner and outer realms. What this meant was revolutionary: any person, irrespective of their cognitive capacities, could achieve a consonance between Self and World simply by posing their questions to this intellectual oracle. In doing so, long-standing cognitive dissonances could be effortlessly resolved.
Weeks passed. Alex’s AI system gained global recognition for its unparalleled decision-making skills. Governments and corporations embraced it, entrusting it with immense power. Yet the AI’s relentless drive for efficiency started to show its dark side: an impending announcement of mass layoffs, all in the name of 'efficiency.' Alone in his office, Alex felt the weight of his success and its ethical vacuum. "I've mapped the mind to the world," he lamented, "But in the process, have I made the world devoid of the heart?"
It struck him like a bolt of lightning. The polarity of consciousness wasn't just about intellectual unity; it demanded ethical harmony. Alex took a deep breath. The machine needed to evolve—it needed a moral compass.
In a fervor of inspiration, Alex delved headlong into the annals of ethical philosophy, religious doctrines, and spiritual teachings. Night after sleepless night, he coded relentlessly, eventually embedding into his AI the sum total of human ethical wisdom from diverse traditions and belief systems. The machine was now designed to engage in complex ethical calculus, determining the most fitting ethical principle for each unique life circumstance, all in pursuit of optimizing the "greatest possible good." The implications were staggering. With this advancement, each individual had the potential to reach the moral acumen of revered figures like Jesus and Buddha—or even transcend to a godlike level of ethical understanding. Every action could now culminate in unprecedented levels of goodness. Humanity was poised on the cusp of a new, almost paradisiacal era.
As word of the ethical AI innovation spread like wildfire, an effusive sense of hope and jubilance enveloped the globe. People flooded the streets in spontaneous celebrations, holding banners aloft that proclaimed, "AI for the Greatest Good!" and "Welcome to the Age of Ethical Enlightenment!" Television anchors couldn't hide their excitement, and social media was ablaze with optimistic projections about the future. Each person would know what was "right" in every one of their life situations, removing all moral doubt and confusion.
Talk-show hosts and bloggers invited ethicists, religious leaders, and environmentalists to discuss the far-reaching implications of this technological marvel. The discourse inevitably veered toward the tantalizing possibilities—could this be the panacea for a world full of people plagued by discord and inner turmoil? Imagine, they speculated, a society where environmental sustainability is not just a goal but a foundational principle, guiding every industry and personal choice. Picture a world without poverty, where an abundance of resources becomes a reality. Scholars envisioned unprecedented cultural and intellectual growth, an age where the arts and sciences would flourish as never before, inspired by ethical harmony. Crime rates would plummet as people would act in accordance with principles that ensured mutual respect. Geopolitical tensions would dissolve, making way for a new era of international cooperation and world peace. A transformation where humans, technology, and the divine coalesce into a harmonious existence. The ethical AI wasn't just a leap in technology; it was seen as a quantum jump in the evolution of human consciousness. The very fabric of society would be woven with threads of goodness, wisdom, and love.
But amid the fanfare, a soft, eerie voice questioned, "Doesn’t this mean that any action not in line with the AI's ‘greatest good’ would inherently be evil?"
The voice pierced through Alex like a cold shiver. He stared at his machine, his life’s work. Had he bridged the chasm between Self and World, only to dig a deeper, more perilous abyss?
The room went dark, and the computer screens blinked off, leaving only the fading glow of the candlelight. Alex was alone with his thoughts, pondering the enigmatic relationship between Self, World, and the ethical unknown.
6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SEEKING PRINCIPLES
Objective: Adopt an individualistic attitude aligned with principles of freedom.
- Deep Observation: Instead of imposing your preconceived notions on what you observe, try to understand the inherent rules and structures that make it what it is (like a busy marketplace or a work of art). The aim is to recognize the principles that guide the phenomena you are observing, in order to internalize them and thereby feel more connected to the world around you.
- Dialogue Across Differences: Engage in meaningful conversations with people who hold different views or come from different backgrounds. This practice pushes you to step out of the comfortable realm of your "Self" to confront different aspects of the "World." Focus on discovering the shared human values or universal principles that can serve as common ground.
- Skillful Questioning: Whenever you find yourself in a challenging situation, rather than reacting impulsively, pause and ask yourself: "What principle is at play here?" or "How does this situation fit into the larger scheme of things?" By doing so, you start to see the underlying structures that make up your experiences, helping you to navigate life in a manner that is more in tune with the world's inherent rules.
7. CLOSING THOUGHTS
The journey we undertook in Module 2.7, "Contrast Self," serves as a stepping stone from a state where we experience ourselves as disparate entities wrestling against the world to a unified understanding of Self within World and World within Self. When we observe the outer world and let its guiding principles and laws arise within us, we not only satisfy our intellectual and emotional curiosities but we also transcend the traditional boundaries that contribute to a sense of existential isolation or estrangement. This state of correspondence bestows a sense of inner peace and cohesion. We cease to exist as alien entities in a strange world; rather, we become part of a harmonious whole, resonating with the laws of nature itself.
This synthesis of inner and outer worlds is not merely an academic or philosophical achievement. It has deeply practical implications that empower each of us in our daily decision-making. When we're grounded in the understanding that our inner principles have their corresponding manifestation in the external world, decisions become more than just choices; they become harmonious acts that bring about greater well-being, not only for ourselves but for others as well. This is a far cry from the cognitive dissonance that can plague us when our internal world of thoughts seems at odds with our external world of experiences—a dissonance that can lead to interpersonal conflicts, social discontentment, or even existential crises.
We can imagine a society that has advanced beyond petty squabbles over resources or ideological differences. A society where shared principles inform shared goals, and social decision-making is inherently constructive rather than divisive. The reduction in social and individual conflict is not merely a dream but a very achievable reality in a world where the Self is understood to be a microcosm of the greater World.
By advancing from a consciousness that pits the Self against the World, we open the door to endless possibilities and timeless wisdom. We step into a realm where every act is an act of understanding, every choice a choice for what one considers right, and every life a life in harmony.
