IX. World-Thoughts in Michael, and World-Thoughts in Ahriman

And herein too lies the reason why Michael's face and bearing are grave, as he journeys through the Cosmos. To be thus bound up in the inner life with the Intelligence that is the world's substance, means at the same time fulfilling the condition, that one introduce into this Intelligent substance nothing of arbitrary volition, of subjective aims or desires. Else, logical reasoning becomes the arbitrary choice of a single person—instead of being the expression of the Cosmos. Strictly to keep his own being an expression of world-being—whatever of private self may stir within, to keep it within—this Michael regards as his more especial virtue. His mind is bent upon the great cosmic relations; this speaks in his countenance. His will shall go forth to men as a reflection of that which he discerns in the Cosmos; this speaks in his bearing, his gestures. Michael is in all things grave. For gravity in the face of any being is the reflection of the Cosmos in this being; a smiling countenance is the expression of that which shines forth from the being itself into the world.