519. For the prospective physical being, "selfishness" is definitely an indispensable function of life. It is through this way of thinking, this thought-principle, that the being creates its physical faculty for manifestation. Without this way of thinking it would never at any time be able to leave its heavenly manifestation; it would never be able to become a physical being and we would never be able to witness the divine revelation of diversity in the nature of physical beings, i.e. plant forms, animal forms, terrestrial people and all the other phenomena we observe with our physical eyes. There would never have been physical forests for us to see, nor jungles with their immense worlds of flora, fauna and colour, and we would never have become familiar with any of the physical realities we now know and value and which are life-conditions for terrestrial people. Without "selfishness" there would be no sexual urge, falling in love, passion or marriage. All those kinds of joys that terrestrial people have delighted in, such as weddings, everyday forms of entertainment, theatres and cinemas – in short, everything that has meaning in the terrestrial and animal state of consciousness – is carried by the thought-principle of "selfishness", as is everything we call war, the military, national and state boundaries, businesses, department stores, professions, industrial organizations and other unions and cooperations, to name but a few. All these phenomena have "selfishness" at their root. "Selfishness" is the regal atmosphere of the "animal kingdom" and a large part of the terrestrial human zone of consciousness. Without "selfishness" there would be no dominant physical being, no physical perfection, no machines, factories, telephones or telegraph, no railways, cars, aeroplanes, radios, nor any of the other perfected technical advantages with which terrestrial mankind has gradually become equipped and, to a large extent, are still held in the grip of egoism. These magnificent inventions and technical wonders are nothing less than the ripened fruit on the all-embracing mental tree of "egoism" or "selfishness", even though in time they are destined to become the property of everyone. The magnificent palace of the rich man, his abundant luxury, his many cars and servants, his art treasures, jewellery, money and excessive wardrobe also owe their existence and origin largely to "egoism" or an inordinate "instinct for self-preservation".
      It is not in order to blame or criticize that all this is mentioned here – on the contrary. These phenomena also, have had their important purpose in world management. They have been a model for mankind's desire or longing for culture and the perfection of their physical existence. They have contributed towards leading the masses away from all reminiscences of their existence as cave dwellers. Every ordinarily well-kept home usually shows clear signs of the palace-like style. Small gardens sometimes seem like miniature parks. The interiors of small rooms occasionally have a castle-like atmosphere. Thus we have much to thank "selfishness" for.