Returning from travels in war-torn Europe, Rudolf Steiner gives a stark impression of the disastrous conditions of the time, encouraging deeper esoteric work as a counter to the world situation. Speaking under the broad theme of human development in the light of Anthroposophy, he analyzes the gulf between contemporary culture and science--which he says are characterized by narrow-mindedness, ignorance and ineptitude --and a scientific approach to the spirit. Steiner is clear about the shortcomings of his followers, mentioning past failures and a continuing tendency toward sectarianism and dogmatic judgments. Steiner also discusses how we experience a state of separation from the world through our physical form, whereas our aura, or soul, spiritual being is already living actively in cosmic surroundings. Consciously crossing of the threshold into the spiritual world is urgent and needed today, although Steiner warns of the dangers inherent in certain Eastern and Western approaches. The tendency of initiates of the East is to abandon the human race, while the American impulse has become too immersed in physical, bodily nature. Moreover, a potential demonic influence works through technology. However, a spiritual-scientific path of knowledge and development can allow us to navigate through these challenges."