Chance, Providence and Necessity
8 lectures by Rudolf Steiner

Are we ruled by chance? What is providence? Are we entirely compelled by circumstances beyond our control?

Rudolf Steiner casts a new light upon these and other questions central to human life.

Connecting the inquiry into necessity and chance with the problem of subjectivity and objectivity, Steiner explains how subjective experience develops through time into objective reality. "What was once a subjective experience resurfaces as a characteristic objective element . . . The subjective invariably becomes objective."

His discussion of chance, necessity, and the influence of providence or grace on human life culminates in insights into death and the spiritual significance of dying young.

Trans. M. Spock (8 lectures, Dornach 23 Aug to 6 Sept 1915, GA183)
Anthroposophic Press; Rudolf Steiner Press
148pp; paperback
ISBN: 0 88010 262 4

See also: Necessity and Freedom

 

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy 'anthroposophy', which he defined as 'the consciousness of one's humanity', and the disciplined methods of studying this he termed ‘spiritual science’.  As a highly developed clairvoyant and spiritual initiate, he spoke from his direct cognition of the spiritual world. However, he did not see his work as religious or sectarian, but rather sought to found a universal 'science of the spirit'.

His many published works (written books and lectures) - which include his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development - invite readers to develop their own spiritual faculties.  He also provided indications for the renewal of many human activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. He wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe, and in 1924 founded the General Anthroposophical Society which today has branches throughout the world.