There is brought into view a new and deeper life in which the emphasis is placed upon the good, the beautiful, and the true.

In this way idealism has inspired many men to put forth their energies for the highest aims, has lifted the individual above the narrowness of a life devoted to himself alone, and has produced characters of exceptional beauty and strength.

It claims, indeed, to be able to shape the world of man more satisfactorily than religion can, for it has no need for doctrines of the Divine, the Divine being immediately present in the world.

But despite its great influence in the past, its power has of late been considerably weakened.
The question of the existence of a deeper invisible reality in the world has become as problematic as the doctrines of religion.
To be a whole-hearted believer in the older forms of idealism it is necessary that the universe be regarded as ultimately reasonable and harmonious, and there must be a belief in the possibilities of great development on the part of the human being.

But a serious study of things reveals to us the fact that the universe is not entirely reasonable and harmonious.