Science Of Freedom Workbook
Text: "The Philosophy of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner
Topic 2.9 Chapter 2 The Fundamental Desire For Knowledge
2.9 Essence Of Nature Within
Naturalism
[11] We must find the way back to her. A simple reflection can show us the way. While it is true we have torn ourselves away from Nature, we retain something of her in our own being. We must seek out this essence of Nature in us, and then we will discover our connection with her once more.
Theism
Dualism fails to do this. It considers the human mind a spiritual entity entirely foreign to Nature and attempts somehow to attach it on to Nature. No wonder it cannot find the connecting link. We can find nature outside us only if we first know her within us. What corresponds to nature within us will be our guide.
Intuitionism
This marks out our path of inquiry. We will not speculate about how Nature and Mind interact. Instead, we will probe into the depths of our own being, to find there the elements we retained in our flight from Nature.
Worldview Of Monadism
"acceptance of certain spiritual beings."
"a being—as, for example, the human soul—can build up existence in itself."
"there is such a being that can build up existence in itself, and force concepts outwards from within itself. This being is a 'Monad'."
“monads are will-entities."
"existence is made up of being with the most varied conceptual powers"
"he reflects in the world upon the spiritual element in the world, allowing it to remain indefinite."
"there is spirit in the world and there are spirits, but I describe them only by saying, ‘They are entities having varying powers of perception.’ I pick out from them an abstract characteristic."
"Monadism is an abstract Spiritism."
Rudolf Steiner, Human And Cosmic Thought lectures
"While it is true we have torn ourselves away from Nature, we retain something of her in our own being. We must seek out this essence of Nature in us, and then we will discover our connection with her once more."
Each individual, or "monad," is essentially a self-contained unit with its own set of universal principles and laws. These internal conceptual principles mirror the external world in a way that allows for a true understanding of it. By digging deep into our own internal nature, we can uncover these principles and, in doing so, find the "essence of Nature" within us.
When we observe something in the external world and form a thought or opinion about it, we "retain" that thought. This thought can be recalled and examined to discover the universal principles that correspond to what we've observed. Even if the initial thought or opinion serves to separate us from what we've observed—by distinguishing it as something "other"—within that thought lies the potential for unity. That's because the thought contains universals that correspond to the observed thing. By scrutinizing this thought, by seeking out the "essence of Nature" within it, we can discover our connection with the world once more.
For example, meeting someone for the first time, you might think, "They seem reserved." This thought separates you from the person based on a superficial impression. Yet within that thought are conceptual essences about human behavior, psychology, and social norms. By understanding these, you can go beyond your initial impression to a more nuanced understanding, thus reconnecting with the person on a deeper level.
So, in terms of Monadism, the thought we form is not just an arbitrary or subjective opinion but rather a manifestation of universal principles within our own being. These principles are what allow us to understand the external world and to find our place within it, guiding us from a state of estrangement or superficial unity to one of true understanding and meaningful connection.
"We can find nature outside us only if we first know her within us. What corresponds to nature within us will be our guide."
According to this view, the conceptual powers to understand Nature exist within the individual. It's not merely about observing the world externally; it's about recognizing the elements of Nature within oneself and using that inner knowledge as a guide to understanding the outer world. This aligns with the monadic notion that individual beings possess unique powers of perception and can force concepts outwards from within themselves.
"We will not speculate about how Nature and Mind interact. Instead, we will probe into the depths of our own being, to find there the elements we retained in our flight from Nature."
This statement rejects dualistic approaches that treat mind and nature as fundamentally separate and then attempt to bridge them artificially. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of delving into one's own being to find the thought, the "retained elements" from observing Nature. This perspective reflects the monadic idea that each individual being has diverse conceptual powers and can, by probing internally, discover the principles that also govern the external world.
All three quotes align with the monadic worldview that beings have inherent, individualized conceptual powers. These powers can be explored and understood by probing into one's own essence, thereby revealing the connection with the external world.
MODULE 2.9 Essence Of Nature Within
□ STEP 2.9 From dualism that is focused on forcibly aligning thought with nature, to searching within for elemental concepts that correspond to the essence of nature in order to discover unity.
1. INTRODUCTION
In Step 2.9, "Essence Of Nature Within," of Rudolf Steiner's "The Philosophy Of Freedom," the focus shifts from a dualistic approach—where the mind tries to forcibly align thought with nature—to an inward exploration for concepts that naturally correspond to the world around us. The contrasting states represent more than just differing methods of engagement; they reflect fundamentally different orientations towards knowledge and understanding.
Dualism assumes from the start that mind and nature are separate, then the focus may shift towards using force or persuasion to "attach" one's thoughts to nature, rather than seeking a more intrinsic or organic connection. This could lead to confrontations where the goal is not to discover truth, but to impose one's own framework on others. In contrast, Steiner's approach aims to find a harmonious connection between inner concepts and external reality, thus enabling a more authentic form of understanding.
The dualistic state, focused on forcibly aligning thought with the world, presents a host of problems. For the individual, this forceful effort can lead to intellectual rigidity, blocking out innovative approaches or new interpretations. The world is dynamic, but this rigidity fixes one's perception, effectively rendering the individual less adaptable to new situations. Further, when reality doesn't bend to these preset intellectual schemas, frustration and anxiety can set in. This discontentment often reverberates on a societal scale as well. The individual, convinced of the absoluteness of their own perspective, becomes less empathetic to others. Reduced empathy, in turn, feeds into societal polarization, as communities dig deeper into their own, often conflicting, worldviews.
In contrast, the state of inward exploration opens up a landscape of potential. By searching within for concepts that intrinsically correspond to the world, we embrace a form of "guided curiosity." This isn't aimless wondering but a journey with a clear marker: the essence of the world that resides within us. By tapping into this internal reservoir of concepts that naturally align with the external world, we free ourselves to understand the world more authentically. Our internal concepts act as a guiding force, allowing us to make sense of what we encounter, deepening our understanding and eliminating the chasm of estrangement that dualism often exacerbates.
The transition from the state of dualism to one where we search within for concepts that correspond to the world is not just a minor adjustment. It's a pivotal shift from a potentially destructive, limited perspective to a more holistic, enriching, and constructive view. This forms the basis for not just personal freedom but a free society that benefits everyone.
Dualism: Assumes the mind is inherently separate and foreign to the external world. Focusing on the separation makes it difficult, if not impossible, for dualism to discover any "connecting link" that reflects a deeper unity between the mind and the world.
Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: The dualist tries to forcibly align or "attach" thought to the world, often by imposing arbitrary or imposed set of ideas, pre-existing mental frameworks or schemas onto the world. This application of thought is not justified by the facts.
Retained Element Of Nature: The conceptual counterparts that we have formed and retained through active engagement with the world.
Concepts Corresponding To Nature: Finding internal cognitive frameworks or principles that naturally align with external reality, enabling a true understanding and unity with the world.
Conceptual Essence Of Nature
The nature of a concept in The Philosophy Of Freedom is considered elemental and the essence of something. In this view, concepts are the foundational elements that allow for an understanding of the world; they are the "essence" of the objects or phenomena they represent. This essence is what is "retained" in human cognition, even when the object or phenomenon is no longer present in our immediate experience. Concepts in this light are not arbitrary or imposed frameworks, but arise from active, participative engagement with the world. Thus, they inherently contain within them the elemental qualities of the things they represent, forming a natural, intrinsic bridge between human cognition and the world.
Guided Curiosity
Guided curiosity can direct a method of inquiry that involves a purposeful and focused exploration of the world, rooted in an internal understanding that aligns with the laws and principles of nature. Unlike aimless curiosity, which may meander without specific direction, guided curiosity becomes an innate compass, steered by internal concepts that correspond to nature. This internal-external alignment ensures that one's inquiry is not just superficial but leads to meaningful understanding and unity with the subject of curiosity.
Let's consider an example in the realm of scientific research. A physicist who has a strong internal grasp of mathematical concepts related to nature would likely have their curiosity guided towards questions that are both significant and solvable. Their understanding of equations that describe natural phenomena such as gravity, electromagnetism, or quantum mechanics will not just be a set of formulas but an internal conceptual map that corresponds to how the universe actually works. When they encounter new or puzzling phenomena, this internal map guides their curiosity, enabling them to formulate hypotheses and experiments that are more likely to yield valuable insights.
Or, consider an artist who intuitively understands principles of color, form, and emotion. This internal understanding is not merely a set of rules but corresponds to how human beings actually perceive and react to art. When they approach a new project, their guided curiosity helps them to explore themes and techniques that resonate with human experience, thus leading to art that can genuinely move people.
In both examples, what guides the curiosity is not an arbitrary or imposed set of ideas but concepts that have been found, through introspection and experience, to correspond with the principles of the external world. It's this alignment that enables the physicist to make groundbreaking discoveries or the artist to create profound works of art.
2. LIFE EXAMPLES
Scenario: Plant Enthusiast
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: The plant enthusiast believes that more water and sunlight will necessarily make her plants grow faster and healthier. Despite following this regime, she notices her plants are wilting or developing mold. Disappointed, she concludes she just doesn't have natural talent for growing plants.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: She takes a step back and reflects on her experience of caring for plants and the condition of the plants and soil. The concept of "balance" comes to mind. Now she is more alert to growing conditions. Realizing that different plants have different needs, she adjusts the watering and light conditions to match each plant’s natural requirements, resulting in healthier plants.
Scenario: Pet Owner
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: The pet owner thinks pets behave well only if disciplined rigorously. She tries various strict training methods but finds that her dog still doesn't listen. Frustrated, she believes it's impossible to understand what her dog needs.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: Reflecting on her training experience with the dog, the concept of "positive reinforcement" arises. This concept opens her eyes to the fact that her dog responds well to positive reinforcement. Instead of imposing strict rules, she starts to work with the concept "positive reinforcement" that is more in harmony with her dog's natural behavior, resulting in a happier and better-trained pet.
Scenario: Amateur Photographer
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: The amateur photographer believes that good photos are produced solely through expensive, high-quality cameras. He becomes frustrated when his pictures do not turn out well despite investing in expensive gear. He insists that he just can't understand the nuances of a good photograph and keeps changing settings randomly.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: The photographer reflects on his photos, and the principles of photography arise; composition, light, and subject. He realizes that a good photograph comes from a harmonious blend of these elements. With these concepts he is now able to critique his pictures by seeing good and bad composition. By aligning his picture taking with the principles of photography, he starts taking stunning pictures.
Scenario: Puzzler
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: The individual loves solving jigsaw puzzles and tells everyone that the key is that the edge pieces must be found and connected first. However, for a particularly challenging 3D puzzle, this strategy doesn't seem to work, leading to frustration. This puzzle appears to be impossible to solve.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: Staring at the pieces, the concept of "pattern recognition" comes to mind. With this concept the puzzler now sees the pieces differently, looking for color and texture patterns, irrespective of the edges. It is a more effective strategy for this 3D puzzle. By shifting the focus, the puzzle starts coming together in a more intuitive way.
Scenario: Bird Watcher
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: A bird watcher insists that the key to spotting rare birds is to go to remote locations at dawn. Despite following this approach diligently, the person rarely spots any unusual birds and starts to lose interest. Perhaps seeing rare birds just requires being lucky.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: While pondering his favorite bird watching spots, the concept of "local ecology" emerges. The bird watcher realizes that understanding a birds natural habitats could be more effective than merely focusing on time and place. The ecology concept brings new understanding, his eyes open to the habitat and available bird food, increasing the chance he sees birds.
Scenario: Drummer
Stage 1 - Forcibly Aligning Thought With Nature: An aspiring young drummer believes that speed is the key to impressive drumming and his future stardom. Despite practicing for hours to increase speed, the rhythms produced sound mechanical and uninspiring. He begins losing hope for becoming a famous musician.
Stage 2 - Concepts Corresponding To Nature: After a period of reflection on his style, the concept of drumming "dynamics" comes into focus. The drummer's hearing sharpens, becoming attuned to varying strengths and tonality of each strike, giving soul to the rhythm. By incorporating these natural dynamics, the drumming improves remarkably and gains emotional depth.
3. THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM TOPIC 2.9 QUOTE
“We can find nature outside us only if we first know her within us. What corresponds to nature within us will be our guide.”
The idea expressed here suggests that our understanding of the external world is mediated through our internal cognitive and conceptual frameworks. In other words, we can only recognize and understand aspects of nature outside us if we have the corresponding internal concepts or frameworks to interpret them. Without these internal mental tools, we wouldn't know what to look for and wouldn't be able to meaningfully process what we perceive.
The internal conceptual essence acts as a guide for understanding the external world. It's like having a map or a language that allows us to navigate and make sense of the landscape or conversation. Without this internal "map," the external phenomena remain indistinct or meaningless to us. Thus, the inner world of thought and conceptual understanding is critical for making sense of the outer world of nature.
In this view, our internal concepts aren't just passive labels or categories but active principles that enable us to engage with and understand the world around us. They shape our perceptions and interpretations, guiding us toward a meaningful interaction with the external world.
Let's consider the concept of gravity as an example. When you drop an apple, it falls to the ground. To a person without the conceptual framework of gravity, this is simply an isolated event, perhaps even a mystery—why does the apple fall down instead of floating or going up? Without an internal framework or concept to understand this phenomenon, each falling object becomes a separate, unexplained event. Once you understand the concept of gravity—that it is a force that attracts two masses toward each other—the falling apple takes on new meaning. You not only understand why this particular apple falls, but you also have a framework to understand why all objects fall: they are attracted to the Earth due to gravity.
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF PURE THINKING
Objective: Experience the joy of soaring into the realm of concepts.
How do you distinguish between arbitrary ideas and those that truly correspond to the essence of the world? Have you experienced a concept arose naturally from within, aligning seamlessly with the external world? How did that feel? How often do you find that the right concept presents itself spontaneously when you need it? What can you do to find the right concept at the right time?
5. THE EMPOWERMENT OF TRUTH
Dr. Tarana Harris sat alone in her office, surrounded by stacks of papers, books on gender studies, and charts filled with statistics. The air was thick with tension, and even the usually comforting smell of old books felt stifling. In less than a week, she would stand before an audience at the annual Women’s Empowerment Conference, a beacon for the academic and social advocacy communities.
Preparation for the conference had been a long, arduous journey. Her research, intended to provide substantial proof of gender-based workplace oppression, had instead yielded results she never anticipated—results showing no significant discrimination against women in the workplace. Her data had betrayed her. Or had it?
Dr. Harris stared at the computer screen, her eyes darting between the two folders as if they were combatants in a duel for her soul. "Real Data" read one. "Adjusted Data" read the other. For years, she'd been a staunch advocate of the narrative that women face systematic oppression. And there it was, inside the "Adjusted Data" folder, the evidence that could rally thousands of voices to her cause, secure her position in the academic world, and perhaps, even instigate policy change.
Yet that folder seemed to mock her, its virtual existence challenging the very essence of her integrity. Each pixel felt like a grain of sand, slipping through the hourglass of her resolve. This data had been manipulated to tell a story she had always wanted to believe was universally true—a story she had thought would ultimately help women rise. But could she do it? Could she open that folder and unleash its doctored contents upon the world?
With every second that ticked by, her internal turmoil escalated into a full-blown existential crisis. Her fingers hovered over the mouse, trembling. Her heart was pounding so hard it drowned the soft hum of the computer's fan, each beat a seismic wave reverberating through her conscience.
The dualist within her rallied its argument: The world is not black and white, it insisted. Truth is complex, messy, a multidimensional web of intersecting narratives. No research can ever capture it all. Therefore, shouldn't she choose the narrative that would advance the cause she so passionately believed in? Even if it wasn't "true" in the most stringent sense, wasn't it "true enough" if it led to good outcomes for women?
But just as her finger began to descend toward the mouse, a counter-thought broke through the cacophony of rationalizations. This new thought was not shouted; it did not clamor for attention. It simply arose, calm and irrefutable: What about the concept of Truth as its own form of advocacy? In bending reality to fit her narrative, was she not also bending the arc of her own moral universe? Could she truly champion women's empowerment by disempowering the truth?
Caught in the vise of her internal conflict, Dr. Harris suddenly felt very alone, even though she sat in the heart of an academic institution teeming with life. For what was at stake was not just her professional reputation, but her philosophical and ethical grounding—the very bedrock of who she was and who she aspired to be.
A quiet voice from within was echoing louder with each moment. "Is fostering a narrative built on half-truths really a form of empowerment?"
As she sat in quiet contemplation, a new concept began to unfold in her mind. It emerged like the first ray of dawn, slowly illuminating her consciousness. The elemental concept was simple yet profound: Truth itself is a form of empowerment. It bridges the gap between varying perspectives, providing a common ground upon which real progress can be built.
The academic and the woman in her wrestled. One saw an opportunity for expedient gains for women; the other saw the true path to long-term empowerment through honesty. Could she forsake the comfort of her long-held beliefs for an uncertain journey towards a more unified understanding of the world?
Finally, the day arrived. Dr. Harris stood backstage, listening to the hum of the gathering crowd. The weight of her decision pressed heavily upon her. She clutched her presentation remote tightly, its hard plastic edges digging into her palm as if urging her to make a choice.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the stage, her heels clicking authoritatively against the wooden floor. Faces filled with anticipation turned toward her. She looked at the expectant eyes staring back at her and felt a momentary connection with every individual in the room. The computer screen before her displayed the opening slide, neutral and waiting for her to dictate its narrative. The room hushed as she began to speak, "Ladies and gentlemen, today I present to you a research study that may change the way we all think about gender issues in the workplace."
She clicked the remote to reveal the study. In that single click, Dr. Tarana Harris wasn't just choosing between two datasets. She was choosing between two versions of the world, two versions of herself.
6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF FINDING ELEMENTAL CONCEPTS
Objective: Adopt an individualistic attitude aligned with principles of freedom.
- Mindful Observation: Spend some time in a natural setting or any environment that you find stimulating. Instead of actively trying to categorize or label what you see, simply observe. After a period of observation, reflect on what elemental concepts spontaneously arise within you that correspond to what you've observed.
- Pause and Reflect: Face a challenging or complex situation, resist the urge to immediately act based on preconceived notions, emotions, or externally acquired information. Take a moment to pause and reflect, allowing your mind the space to search within for elemental concepts that explain the phenomena in order to understand why this is happening.
- Concept Mapping: To understand a life situation, sketch out a concept map that links the observed phenomena with the corresponding concepts. Note how these concepts are interconnected and how they might lead to an outcome. See if you can predict an outcome.
7. CLOSING THOUGHTS
The engaged questioning of guided curiosity takes us beyond the limitations of dualism, which often leaves us grappling with a discord between our thoughts and the world around us. By shifting the focus inward, towards the elemental concepts that inherently align with the essence of nature, we find a pathway to unity with the external world. This approach transcends the futile efforts of forcibly aligning our thought processes with preconceived or arbitrary notions that often do not do justice to the complexity and richness of life.
The benefits of this alignment are manifold and touch upon various dimensions of individual and social existence. For the individual, recognizing and understanding the essence of various life situations can be empowering. It offers the tools needed to navigate the complexities of life with greater skill and confidence. Moreover, the alignment of internal cognitive frameworks with the external world can bring about a greater sense of inner peace. The mental friction that arises from incongruent beliefs and experiences begins to diminish, replaced by a tranquil congruity between the inner self and the external world.
Imagine you're trying to make a big life decision, like relocating to a new city for a job opportunity. Initially, you may feel stressed and overwhelmed by the complexities involved. However, by searching within for concepts that naturally correspond to this life situation—such as "opportunity," "growth," and "community"—you develop a clearer understanding of what really matters to you. This newfound clarity empowers you to make the decision with confidence, rather than being paralyzed by uncertainty or external pressures.
Consider a scenario where you've had a falling out with a close friend. The tension is palpable, and you're torn between your loyalty to the friendship and the actions that led to the conflict. Instead of resorting to blame or avoidance, you take a moment to reflect deeply on the core elements of the situation—trust, communication, understanding. You discover that your feelings of betrayal arise not so much from your friend's actions but from a breakdown in communication. With this insight, the emotional turmoil inside you starts to settle, replaced by a sense of inner peace that comes from understanding the essence of the problem.
Both examples illustrate how aligning your internal cognitive frameworks with the true essence of a situation can offer both practical and emotional benefits, enhancing your life and potentially the lives of those around you.
On a societal level, the ripple effects of individual enlightenment can be profound. A community of individuals who understand the core principles of situations, phenomena, and relationships can drive innovation and progress. This isn't merely about technological advancement but extends to evolving ethical frameworks, social systems, and community relationships. This level of understanding and authenticity can reduce societal polarization. When people learn to look beyond surface-level assumptions and prejudices to grasp a deeper truth, there is a greater likelihood of nuanced dialogue replacing extremist views.
Guided curiosity is a compass to traverse the intricate terrains of thought and experience. By searching within you find the concepts that naturally correspond to the essence of the world around you. In doing this, not only do you unify yourself with the world, but you also become a catalyst for a society rooted in understanding, authenticity, and harmony.
