In the midst of the turmoil and upheavals of the First World War, before a steadfast circle of members of the Anthroposophical Society, Steiner speaks out against the frenzy and hatred in the propaganda of the time. Out of his insights into the spiritual impulses of human evolution, he gradually leads his audience to an understanding of the new world and new social structure that is struggling to be born. He unmasks the stream of accusations and counteraccusations, of attacks and counterattacks, as an illusion veiling the true spiritual struggle taking place behind the outer events. Shining with the clear light of the speaker's courage, these lectures have much to teach us about a spiritual understanding of the political world conflicts we are confronted with in our time.

In the midst of the turmoil and upheavals of the First World War, before a steadfast circle of members of the Anthroposophical Society, Steiner speaks out against the frenzy and hatred in the propaganda of the time. Out of his insights into the spiritual impulses of human evolution, he gradually leads his audience to an understanding of the new world and new social structure that is struggling to be born. He unmasks the stream of accusations and counteraccusations, of attacks and counterattacks, as an illusion veiling the true spiritual struggle taking place behind the outer events. Shining with the clear light of the speaker's courage, these lectures have much to teach us about a spiritual understanding of the political world conflicts we are confronted with in our time. Translated by Johanna Collis, edited by Joan M. Thompson and with a cover design by Brian Gold, we present them here with the kind permission of the Rudolf Steiner Nachlassverwaltung, Dornach, Switzerland.