13. The Value of Life (Pessimism and Optimism)

GA 4/l13/p047 · RSP1964 LowLow alignmentMost translators re-paragraphed Steiner substantially. The locus identifies the same chapter or section, but paragraph-N to paragraph-N mapping is loose. For exact-quotation precision, compare with the German.

If a man strives for sublimely great ideals, it is because they are the content of his own being, and their realization will bring him a joy compared to which the pleasure that a limited outlook gets from the gratification of commonplace desires is a mere triviality. Idealists revel, spiritually, in the translation of their ideals into reality.

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Cite: GA 4/l13/p047 · edition RSP1964 (Steiner 1918 revised edition)