The changing world, and lectures to theosophical students. Fifteen lectures delivered in London during May, June, and July, 1909

"The Changing World and Lectures to Theosophical Students" by Annie Besant is a collection of lectures delivered during the early 20th century, specifically around the years leading up to 1910. This work focuses on the profound transformations in religion, science, and art, as well as the social challenges of the time. The author, a prominent figure in the Theosophical Society, addresses the idea of humanity evolving through various stages and races, suggesting that the world stands at a critical juncture of transition, and explores the themes of brotherhood, moral decay, and the quest for deeper spiritual understanding. At the start of the collection, Besant uses the metaphor of waves on a shore to illustrate the evolution of human races, emphasizing the cyclical nature of progress and decline. She discusses the deadlocks present in current religious, scientific, and artistic paradigms, suggesting that old methods are no longer effective in dealing with the complexities of contemporary society. The initial lecture highlights the struggles faced by religion in light of new scholarly critiques, the limitations of scientific inquiry, and the need for a renewed appreciation for beauty in art. Besant underscores the urgency of recognizing these challenges to better prepare for the new era that is dawning, advocating for a holistic view of humanity's potential as it evolves towards a more profound consciousness and understanding of interconnected existence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Annie Besant was a British socialist, theosophist, freemason, women's rights and Home Rule activist, educationist and campaigner for Indian nationalism. She was an ardent supporter of both Irish and Indian self-rule. She became the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.