He has raised philosophy from being mere discussions concerning abstract theories to a discussion of life itself.  In this way philosophy becomes not merely a theory concerning the universe, nor merely a theory of life, but a real factor in life itself—­indeed it becomes itself a life.  Thus has he given to philosophy a higher ideal, a new urgency—­by his continued emphasis upon the spiritual he has given to philosophy a nobler and a higher mission.  He has placed the emphasis in general upon life, and has pointed out the inability of the intellect to solve all life’s problems.  He has given to idealistic philosophies a possible rallying-point, where theories differing in detail can meet on common ground.  As one eminent writer says:  “The depth and inclusiveness of Eucken’s philosophy, the comprehensiveness of its substructure and its stimulating personal quality, mark it out as the right rallying-point for the idealistic endeavour of to-day.”

And what does he give to religion?  Many will reply that he has given us nothing that is not already in the Christian religion.  Therein lies the value and strength of Eucken’s contributions.  He has given a striking vindication of the spiritual content of Christianity as against the effects of time changes.  He has attempted to bring out the contrast between what is really vital, and what are merely temporary colourings and accretions.  He makes many of the main elements of Christianity acceptable without the need of a historical basis or proof.  Not only does he present the Christian position as a reasonable view of the problem of life, but as the only solution that can really solve the final problem.  He has cleared the decks of all superfluous baggage, and has laid bare a firm basis for a practical, constructive endeavour.

He has given us in himself a profound believer in the inward and higher nature of man, and in the existence of the spiritual life.  As one critic says:  “The earnestness, depth and grandeur, humility and conscious choice of high ideals, have raised his work far above mere intellectual acuteness and minuteness.”

In Eucken we have one of the greatest thinkers of the age—­some would say the greatest—­setting his life upon emphasising the spiritual at a time when the tendency is strongly in materialistic directions.  He has gathered around him a number of able and whole-hearted disciples in various countries, and future ages may find in Eucken the greatest force in the revulsion of the twentieth century (that is already making itself felt) from the extreme materialistic position, to take religion up again, and particularly the Christian religion, as the only satisfying solution of humanity’s most urgent problem.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The English reader should first read: 

The Meaning and Value of Life (A. & C. Black), which is a good
    introduction to Eucken’s philosophy; and
The Life of the Spirit (Williams & Norgate).