Rudolf steiner: philosophy of freedom part 2

http://www.philosophyoffreedom.com The "Philosophy Of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) Chapter 13, The Value Of Life (Optimism and Pessimism), Video 1 of 2 One view declares this the best possible world... and to live and act in it is a gift of untold value. Everything exhibits harmonious and purposeful co-operation and is worthy of admiration. The other view is that life is a 'burden' full of misery and want. Happiness Some believe this world is the best possible, for God is good and wise. Just find out God's intentions and then act accordingly,... and we will feel 'happy' in doing what is right. From this 'optimistic' view life is worth living... It must stimulate us to co-operative participation. Suffering Pictured differently the foundation of the world is not a wise and beneficent being,... but blind urge. Life is craving and suffering. The best one can do is to stifle all wishes and needs,... to exterminate the will. This 'pessimistic' view leads to inactivity;... the moral aim is universal idleness. Pain Outweighs Pleasure (egotism) Pessimism can be used for ethics. Observation of life shows that what appears good and satisfying turns out to be 'illusion'. It is an illusion to believe that we find happiness in health, youth, freedom, sufficient income, love (sexual satisfaction), compassion, friendship and family life, or self-esteem, honor, fame, power, religious edification, scientific and artistic pursuits, hope of life hereafter, participation in cultural evolution, that these are sources of happiness is an illusion. Every enjoyment brings more evil and misery into the world than pleasure. The pain of the hangover is always greater than the pleasure of getting drunk. By recognizing that the pursuit of personal satisfaction (egotism) is folly,... pessimism leads to 'selfless service' in a lofty task. Pleasure of Striving (hope) The success of our striving creates pleasure, failure creates pain.... Striving itself can in no way count as pain. A lack of striving in one's life produces boredom,... and this is connected with displeasure. Striving (desiring) in itself gives pleasure.... Who does not know the enjoyment given by the 'hope' of a future but intensely desired goal? Quantity Of Pleasure If we calculate whether our life holds more pleasure or pain,... we must take into account the following... 1. pleasure of striving 2. the pleasure at the fulfillment of a desire 3. pleasure which comes to us without any striving (gifts). On the other side of the account we shall have to enter... 1. displeasure of boredom 2. the pain of unfulfilled striving 3. pain which comes to us without any desiring on our part. (forced work) We can make a rational estimate of the value of life according to the 'quantity of pleasure' in our life. Quality Of Pleasure To evaluate life properly, the factors which 'falsify' our judgment as to the balance of pleasure and pain must be cleared away. 1. Our desire (instinct) will interfere with our estimate of pleasure. For example, strong sexual instinct promises greater pleasure than it delivers. 2. A critical examination of feelings can prove that the 'objects' our feelings attach to... are revealed as illusions by the light of reason. For example, the ambitious man will find the recognition he pursues a worthless thing. Hopelessness Of Egotism If the amount of pain is great with 'no hope' of future pleasure,... this must lead to the bankruptcy of life. 'Ethical ideals' are said not to be strong enough to master the will... One must learn that selfish striving for pleasure cannot lead to satisfaction. Ethical ideals establish their dominion on the ground cleared for them by the recognition of the 'hopelessness of egotism'. ...to be continued. See the inspiring conclusion of Chapter 13 on Video 2. http://www.philosophyoffreedom.com rudolf steiner anthroposophy biodynamic waldorf school eurythmy goetheanum philosophy free will anthroposophic