 The Gifford Lectures marked a turning point in Royce’s life and thought. He had worked out his philosophical theories in minute detail. His public reputation as a philosopher was sealed (Royce was elected president of the American Psychological Association in 1902 and of the American Philosophical Association in 1903). The year 1900 apparently represented the culmination of his life’s work. Royce was only 45 years old, though, and this culmination proved also to be a starting point for significant growth.