Rudolf Steiner saw technology as a potential solution for theodicy and believed in its positive impact on progress.
Steiner recognized the disruptive force of technology on nature and society, but highlighted the importance of a spiritually conscious approach to its usage.
Steiner predicted a future division of humanity caused by technology, leading to a war of all against all, emphasizing the need for love and transformation in spiritual evolution.
Deep dives
Rudolph Steiner's Relationship with Technology
Rudolph Steiner had a complex relationship with technology, which encompassed both critical and spiritual perspectives. He witnessed the rapid changes in technology during his time, similar to the modern era. Steiner recognized the potential of technology for progress and innovation but also understood its dangers. He believed that technology could be a solution for theodicy, explaining the presence of evil in creation and viewing it as part of an evolutionary process. Steiner's perspective on technology acknowledged the need for a spiritual approach in its construction and utilization to avoid negative consequences.
The Co-Evolution of Humans and Machines
Steiner's views on technology also encompassed the idea of co-evolution between humans and machines. He saw technology's role in disrupting the realm of nature and the influence of elemental beings. This disruptive force could lead to a fragmented and ego-driven society, characterized by a war of all against all. However, Steiner highlighted the existence of a group of people dedicated to spiritual evolution who reject this egoism. While he did not explicitly comment on their relationship with technology, it can be inferred that they would use technology in a morally conscious and spiritually aligned manner.
The Impact of the Steam Engine and the Second Fall
Steiner associated the invention of the steam engine with a significant turning point in the progress of technology. He considered this moment as the second fall of humanity, symbolizing the separation from spiritual realms. The mechanized motion of the steam engine, unnatural in nature, marked the beginning of an arharmonic era. Steiner predicted a future where technology would lead to the splitting of humanity into two worlds – one immersed in materialistic and ego-driven thinking and another that continues spiritual evolution. This division would be accompanied by a war of all against all, necessitating love and transformation as vital components for spiritual evolution.
The Importance of Spiritual Building in Modern Technology
Rudolf Steiner and Martin Heidegger both emphasize the need to bring back a spiritual approach to technology. They argue that modern machines should be built with a deeper understanding of the metaphysical and moral aspects of construction. Steiner suggests that construction should be guided by esoteric concepts such as energies and spiritual beings, and that machines should be seen as homes for these spirits. Heidegger believes that technology should be spiritually and morally grounded, rather than solely focused on efficiency and monetary gain. Both thinkers caution against the negative consequences of mechanical thinking and advocate for a more conscious and responsible use of technology.
The Trial of Technology and the Future Incarnation of Ahriman
Steiner also discusses the evolving role of technology and its impact on human progress. He argues that technology imposes pressures on both physical and spiritual evolution. Steiner predicts that the proliferation of machines and materialistic thinking will culminate in the physical incarnation of Ahriman, the lord of a dead, mechanical, and unspiritual way of thinking. This future incarnation, according to Steiner, will be related to electricity and may occur in the first half of the third millennium after Christ. Steiner's perspective raises questions about the potential dangers of technological advancement and highlights the importance of individual spiritual development and moral responsibility in navigating the challenges presented by technology.
Aaron J. French is a post-doctoral researcher in Religious Studies at the University of Erfurt in Germany. His main research focuses on the History of Esotericism, the History and Philosophy of Science, Sacred Space and Architecture, modern German Philosophy, and Science and Technology Studies. In this episode, we discuss the work of Rudolf Steiner in relation to technology, the apocalypse, transhumanism, and more...
Aaron wanted me to add that in the discussion about the so-called incarnation of Ahriman that he touches on in the interview, there is a bit of a conflation with the appearance of another being Steiner talks about, Sorath or the anti-Christ. It is not entirely clear in what remains of Steiner's work which demon is supposed to appear in 1998 (3 x 666) and which one in 2664 (4 x 666); rather, these two dates, and these two demonic beings, are somewhat conflated at this point in the anthroposophical literature. But nevertheless, there is a strong connection between these two dates and these two demons, especially in relation to the preparation of the earth in order that it will be able to receive them.
