Steiner explains that the central mission of spiritual science is to enable people to ascend, in full consciousness, to knowledge of spiritual realities. But, given that the means to achieve spiritual perception are now widely available, there is the danger that some individuals will gain access to the spiritual world whilst harboring impure motives. This can lead to a distorted understanding and vision of that world. Steiner's emphasis, therefore, is on the preparatory steps? the metamorphosis and purification of the human soul?required for achieving true spiritual enlightenment. Life itself teaches and prepares us for progress, and anthroposophy explains and brings this to consciousness.