I have to thank the author for his personal kindness in the discussion of some difficult points and in the revision of a portion of the proof sheets. At his suggestion or with his consent a number of small alterations, as, for example, in the titles of sections, have been made from the present German text. Owing to an accident, the time for the preparation of this translation was unfortunately curtailed: I should be indebted for any suggestions for its improvement. I am indebted to the Rev. Felix Holt, B.A., for reading through the whole in manuscript and making many valuable suggestions. For all defect and error I alone am responsible. ALBAN G. WIDGERY CAMBRIDGE, _October 1911_ FOOTNOTES: [1] "Naturalism and Agnosticism." 3rd Edition, 1906. Vols. I. and II. A. & C. Black. [2] _Ibid._ Vol. II. Lects. xiv.-xx. [3] _Hibbert Journal_, October 1911: p. 26. [4] _Ibid._ p. 42. [5] "The Realm of Ends; or, Pluralism and Theism" (1911), p. 46. NOTE TO SECOND EDITION I have taken the opportunity given by reprinting to revise the whole. I have made a number of alterations rendering the author's meaning more clear. My thanks are again due to Mr. Holt for his help. ALBAN G. WIDGERY CAVERSWALL, STOKE-ON-TRENT, _January 1912_ AUTHOR'S PREFACE We may hope for a friendly reception of our investigation only by those who acknowledge that that which occupies us here is a real problem. It is hardly open to dispute that life in the present time displays a serious incongruity between an incalculably rich and fruitful activity with regard to the material, and complete uncertainty and destitution in respect of the spiritual, side of life. Attempt after attempt is made to deliver us from this state of perplexity, and to give more soul and unity to a culture which outwardly is so imposing. But in the main these attempts are far too irresolute in their advance from superficiality to depth, and from individual appearances to the whole: in their innermost nature they are under the influence of the temporary conditions beyond which they wish to lead us. In truth, we cannot make an advance in relation to our life as a whole unless we win a new basis for it. This, however, we cannot do without raising the problem of our relation to reality, and, if it is in any way possible, moulding this relationship in a new way: further, we can be of service in the satisfaction of the needs of the time only when we gain an independence of it and a superiority to it.