De transcendentibus & the Purpose of Philosophy

On Truth: Truth is primordial. “Is true” is not a predicate like “is bipedal” or “is dark blue” or anything else. Instead, the assertion of a proposition and the assertion of its truth are the same assertion. We do not assert “spring follows winter” and also that “spring follows winter is true” because that would…

Calendar of the Soul XLIV

SEELENKALENDER “Calendar of the Soul”—Rudolf Steiner’s 52 Verses for the Year ∇ Forty-fourth Week of the Year ∆ Below is Dr Steiner’s original verse followed by my translation into English. Ergreifend neue Sinnesreize Erfüllet Seelenklarheit, Eingedenk vollzogener Geistgeburt, Verwirrend sprossend Weltenwerden Mit meines Denkens Schöpferwillen. ∇∆ Behold! The shimmering weft of senses Made manifest by…

Calendar of the Soul XLIII

SEELENKALENDER “Calendar of the Soul”—Rudolf Steiner’s 52 Verses for the Year ∇ Forty-third Week of the Year ∆ Below is Dr Steiner’s original verse followed by my translation into English. In winterlichen Tiefen Erwarmt des Geistes wahres Sein; Es gibt dem Weltenscheine Durch Herzenskräfte Daseinsmächte; Der Weltenkälte trotzt erstarkend Das Seelenfeuer im Menscheninnern. ∇∆ In…

The Tower of Babble: True Communication

In earlier posts, we considered meaning as truth, and communication as participating a common meaning. We also considered the nature of babble, which is the lack of such participation. Perhaps no exchanges so frequently exemplify the latter as the typical debate between the religious man and the atheist. In the most basic sense, no dialogue…

Calendar of the Soul XLII

SEELENKALENDER “Calendar of the Soul”—Rudolf Steiner’s 52 Verses for the Year ∇ Forty-second Week of the Year ∆ Below is Dr Steiner’s original verse followed by my translation into English. Es ist in diesem Winterdunkel Die Offenbarung eigner Kraft Der Seele starker Trieb, In Finsternisse sie zu lenken Und ahnend vorzufühlen Durch Herzenswärme Sinnesoffenbarung ∇∆…

The Tower of Babble: A Brief Reflection on Words & Meaning

It is evident that words are not identical with what they mean. People can (1) mean different things with the same word, or (2) mean the same thing with different words, or even (3) use words without meaning anything in particular by them. (1) “Liberal,” for instance, can indicate a left-wing political orientation, moral laxity,…

Calendar of the Soul XLI

SEELENKALENDER “Calendar of the Soul”—Rudolf Steiner’s 52 Verses for the Year ∇ Forty-first Week of the Year ∆ Below is Dr Steiner’s original verse followed by my translation into English. Der Seele Schaffensmacht, Sie strebet aus dem Herzensgrunde, Im Menschenleben Götterkräfte Zu rechtem Wirken zu entflammen, Sich selber zu gestalten In Menschenliebe und im Menschenwerke…