Rudolf Steiner: "We are taught in physics that the processes we have in the physical world — processes that are subject to the force of gravity — undergo a change when we go out into space. Physical science tells us the exact proportion in which the force of gravity decreases. We are taught that the force of gravity (and also the intensity of light) decreases in proportion to the square of the distance. Science will not, however, admit that the same is true in relation to all knowledge of material things which has been acquired here on Earth. Science has derived this knowledge from the Earth; and if the figures which apply to gravity and light in the immediate environment of the Earth have to be modified as we go out into space, it is not unreasonable to suppose that only so long as we remain in the actual environment of the Earth are we justified in applying the scientific knowledge of today. Just as the power of gravity decreases in proportion to the square of the distance, so does the truth of our conclusions decrease the further we are away from the Earth. When the astronomer or astrophysicist tries with ordinary thinking to determine, for instance, what is happening in some nebula out in cosmic space, it is just the same as if one set out to calculate, according to the conditions prevailing on the Earth, the weight of a stone in that nebula far away in the heavens. It ought not therefore to surprise us when spiritual science says: Here on Earth things present such and such an aspect, but out in the cosmos they are in reality quite different."
Supersensible Man, lecture 4
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