The Rudolf Steiner Archive

4. Brotherhood and the Struggle for Existence

Article in the *General-Anzeiger der Münchner Neuesten Nachrichten* dated December 17, 1905

[ 1 ] C. Th. “Brotherhood and the Struggle for Existence.” Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the well-known speaker of the Theosophical Society, gave a lecture on December 15 [= 16] in the Prinzensaal of Café Luitpold, in which he addressed the above topic from a theosophical perspective. The Theosophical Society regards it as one of its tasks to work toward the brotherhood of humankind and the ideal of universal love. Thus, the choice of the above topic was a natural one for the speaker. In a lengthy exposition, he sought to explain how, according to theosophical view, the development toward a distinct existence in the struggle for existence must be followed by the gradual overcoming of egoism through devotion to other beings—within the higher consciousness of the spiritual interconnectedness of all beings in the divine Being from which everything has emerged. We have grown out of the Whole; we must grow back into the Whole. According to the theosophical ideal, human brotherhood must also be an inner one. We must recognize the spiritual essence of others and seek to devote ourselves spiritually to our neighbor. Thus, people who are already one in the highest thoughts of reason and intellect must be led upward toward harmony. Egoism has led humanity to suffering; love will lead it to salvation. — The lecture, which was received with approval, was again followed by a lengthy question-and-answer session.