Book excerpt: 'All historical life, all social life, all ethical life, proceed by virtue of the co-operation between the so-called living and the so-called dead. Our whole being can be infinitely strengthened when we are conscious not only of our firm stand here in the physical world, but are filled with the inner realization of being able to say of the dead whom we have loved: they are with us, they are in our midst.'In this valuable lecture Rudolf Steiner speaks with clarity about life after death, and explains how those on the earth can keep a connection with loved ones who have passed on. He describes the conditions in the environment of the dead, the advantages as well as the dangers of connecting with the dead, the importance of the moments of waking and going to sleep, the significance of dying in childhood and old age, and the appropriateness of different types of funeral services.