The Rudolf Steiner Archive

50. Tolstoy and Nietzsche

[ 1 ] The first lecture evening of the “Free Literary Society” on Oct. 22 was opened with a speech by the first chairman, in which he outlined the society’s goals and its expanded program. In addition to the major lecture evenings, smaller events are also to be organized, offering members the opportunity to speak. Dr. Steiner then turned to his topic, “Tolstoy and Nietzsche.” Referring to three analogous figures in cultural history—Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo—he briefly touched on the medieval worldview with which Christianity had come to terms. The speaker then explained how, in the course of development, the Earth came to be recognized as a star among stars, and later, humanity as a natural being among natural beings.

[ 2 ] This was the new situation, solidified by Haeckel, the seeker of truth. Faith had to give way to science. Tolstoy, the last great representative of early Christianity, directs his protest against this new scientific worldview—the worldview of reason. For him, the democratic preacher of love for one’s neighbor, great figures are merely teachers and benefactors of humanity; for Nietzsche, the aristocrat, on the other hand, they are the purpose of life. For the latter, life is an aesthetic phenomenon; through sensory ecstasy and intoxication (the most intense heightening of the joy of life), the misery of the individual is to be overcome. – The speaker’s remarks were characterized by the utmost objectivity; he had presented the principle of goodness (Tolstoy) and that of beauty (Nietzsche) side by side as historical necessities and concluded his inspiring lecture with the following sentence: “Our time places great responsibilities upon the soul of every human being.”

Joh[annes] Gaulke,
Secretary of the F. L. G.