Skip to product information
1 of 1

The Karma of Materialism: Aspects of Human Evolution

The Karma of Materialism: Aspects of Human Evolution

Rudolf Steiner - GA 176

Paperback
Regular price $38.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $38.00 USD
Sale Sold out

Free domestic shipping on orders of $50+

     17 lectures, Berlin, May 29 – September 25, 1917 (CW 176)

    “When faced with the way events are depicted in history, we should sense how necessary it is to rethink them. We should sense that today’s difficult time, which has brought such misery upon humanity, is the karmic effect of distorted, superficial thinking. We should sense that the painful experiences we are going through are in many respects the karma of materialism.”―Rudolf Steiner

    We read in modern history books about external events isolated within themselves or subject to the random, blind working of mechanistically conceived causes and effects. But is it possible to view the events of our times―pandemics, war, political upheaval, etc.―as symptoms of an underlying disease, karmic consequences of humanity’s fall into materialism? In these lectures, given in the midst of World War I, Rudolf Steiner addresses this question with insight, nuance, and a deep love for humanity and the collective spiritual mission of our Earth.

    Science―which should not be a set of beliefs or dogmas but a method and practice of inquiry―has become wedded, especially since the nineteenth century, to the worldview of materialism. This problematic union is most dangerous when erroneous concepts and lines of thought are extended beyond the domain of theory into the sphere of practical life. In these lectures, Steiner implores his audience “to become conscious of where humanity will be led if what today calls itself science is allowed to set the tone and to insinuate itself into realms where concepts become realities.”

    Although given more than one hundred years ago, the message of these lectures is more urgent today than ever before.

    This volume is a translation of Menschliche und menschheitliche Entwicklungswahrheiten. Das Karma des Materialismus, 2nd edition, Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach, Switzerland, 1982 (GA 176). Cover image: Materia by Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916).


    Language English
    Publisher
    Publication Date
    Pages
    Dimensions

    Condition Descriptions

    Like New: Book may have very minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Pages are clean and not marred by notes. 
    Very Good: Book may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Dust cover may be missing. Pages are clean and not marred by notes. May include "From the library of" label.
    Good: All pages and cover are intact, but dust cover may be damaged or missing. Cover, spine, pages or dust cover may show signs of wear. Pages may include some notes and highlighting. May be a former library book or include "From the library of" label.
    Acceptable: All pages and cover are intact, but dust cover case may be damaged or missing. Cover, spine, pages or dust cover may show significant signs of wear. Pages may include moderate notes, highlighting, and/or minor water damage, warping, etc., but the text is readable. May be a former library book or include "From the library of" label. Acceptable products are final sales and are not returnable.
    View full details