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Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in Austria. He found his life's work
in the realms of consciousness and cognition.
His techniques for the development of awareness to nature's cycles, daily
meditation and concentration practices, and clear critical thinking can
lead individuals to reach spiritual levels of consciousness safely. He
believed working along with the spiritual worlds enriches the life of
the individual and the world.
A university student of mathematics, science and philosophy in Vienna, he later earned a doctorate from the University of Rostock. He edited the scientific writings of Goethe, whose approach, based on intensified, selfless observation of nature, became a source of inspiration for his own work. Steiner's doctoral dissertation dealing with Fichte's theory of knowledge was later expanded and published as Truth and Science. In 1894, he published The Philosophy of Freedom, which he felt to be his most important philosophical work.
Steiner brought forth out of his spiritual experiences an abundance of scientific, medicinal, agricultural, social, educational, architectural, and artistic renewal. Steiner called this science of spirit, Anthroposophy, meaning "wisdom of the human being." Anthroposophy is non-religious, and enhances many Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, and other traditional practitioners endeavors.
Author
of almost thirty books, Steiner also gave approximately 6,000 lectures
on a wide range of subjects. He initiated Waldorf education, biodynamic
farming and gardening, an approach to the care and education of the
handicapped, anthroposophical medical work, and an art of movement called
eurythmy.
"My meeting with Rudolf Steiner led me to occupy myself with him from that time forth and to remain always aware of his significance. We both felt the same obligation to lead man once again to true inner culture. I have rejoiced at the achievements his great personality and his profound humanity have brought about in the world."
Albert Schweitzer
The
Goetheanum: the center of the Anthroposophical
society is located in Dornach, Switzerland.
Steiner designed
the extraordinary first and second Goetheanum buildings in Switzerland,
inspiring many architects in Europe and America to this day.
The Anthroposophical Society
is an entirely public society: membership is open to all without regard
to ethnic or national origin, social standing, religion, scientific or
artistic conviction.
The Goetheanum offers public workshops, lectures and artistic events to
an international audience. For people interested in furthering specific
fields of research and training within anthroposophy, the School of
Spiritual Science offers, The General Anthroposophical Section; The
Section for Mathematics and Astronomy; The Medical Section; The Agriculture
Department; The Pedagogical Section; The Section for the Spiritual Striving
of Youth; The Section for Social Sciences; The Section for the Arts of
Eurythmy, Speech, Drama and Music; The Art Section embraces painting,
sculpture and architecture, furniture design, glass engraving, color studies
and plant-color research; The Literary Arts and Humanities. For more information
please contact any local US branch to find out more about the sections
work and offerings.
Essays
on Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner:
A Sketch of His Life and Work
by John Davy
An
Essay on Rudolf Steiner and His Work
by Henry Barnes
Useful Links
Rudolf Steiner Archive is a site full of information and even full-text versions of Steiner books and lectures in English translation.
The
Anthroposophical Society in America
Anthroposophical Society world headquarters in Dornach, Switzerland.
A documentary on Steiner's life and work
Camphill Village, Copake, NY - one of many Camphill Villages worldwide where people work with the developmentally disabled in an anthroposophical setting.