Lecture XXI
Because in this sense thought is something holy, with his thoughts man is on the Devachanic plane. The European is practically never on the Devachanic plane except when he is thinking mathematically. Certain kinds of artistic creation also rise up to the Devachanic plane. When Goethe attains to the highest heights as an artist he is only understood with great difficulty. In ‘Iphigenia’ and ‘Tasso’ he tried to introduce these passion-free thoughts; still more so in the drama ‘Die natürliche Tochter’. These dramas in particular have had a powerful effect on human beings who were strong and forceful. Such people shed tears over ‘Die natürliche Tochter.’
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