In terminology, steigerung, translated as "heightening" or "intensification", is one of the two main driving forces, along with polarity, in German polyintellect Johann Goethe's 1809 evolution-like metamorphology theory of chemical, plant, and animal form change over time.
Overview
The term "steigerung" is, supposedly, one of the key parts of German intellect Johann Goethe's metamorphology theory of morphology change, chemicals to humans. [1] American Goethean scholar Astrida Tantillo explains “steigerung” as follows: [2]
“Goethe explains that the two main natural forces, polarity and Steigerung (heightening or intensification), represent a kind of binary division. Steigerung represents spirit -- polarity, matter. Unlike the traditional, hierarchical relationship between body and soul, however, Goethe intertwines the two and does not place one above the other. He calls polarity and Steigerung the two main driving forces of nature:
‘the former a property of matter insofar as we think of it as material, the latter insofar as we think of it as spiritual. Polarity is a state of constant attraction and repulsion, while intensification is a state...’
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Quotes
The following are related quotes:
“Since as a kid I was aware of the abyss (super rift) between the material and mental worlds. I tried to bridge this abyss, but could not. Yet I kept on with my own "Steigerung" as Goethe did. Then during 1982-83 I discovered empirically that the law of entropy production applies to the spiritual [humanistic] world as it applies to the physical world. My joy knew no bounds. I have found the bridge between these two worlds with which to cross the abyss between them. Others thought I was crazy and would not dare to publish my account. Then, in 1986, if I remember correctly, I was teaching university students the intricate calculations concerning free energy in chemical reactions. During that lecture I suddenly became aware how my mind was rushing along two levels. The lower level was concerned with chemical processes as a physical phenomenon. I executed this level almost automatically. But the higher level of my mind was exploring free energy in the process of knowing-learning as a spiritual [thermodynamics] phenomenon. I followed this level with great curiosity. I think the students became aware that I was rather absent minded that day, not perceiving my higher most thoughts. That day marks the beginning of my continual exploring of the role of free energy in the spiritulization [actualization] of humankind.”
— Adriaan de Lange (2010), retrospect reflection on arrival of human free energy theory
References
1. Steigerung (German → English) – AnthroWiki.at.
2. Tantillo, Astrida O. (1998). “Goethe’s Botany and His Philosophy of Gender” (abs), Eighteenth-Century Life, 22(2):123-38.
