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The Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner
Series
258
Read Description
The Anthroposophic Movement
The History and Conditions of the Anthroposophical Movement in Relation to the Anthroposophical Society: An Encouragement for Self-Examination (CW 258)
Rudolf Steiner
Introduction by Christian von Arnim
Translated by Christian von Arnim
Edited by Richard Seddon
Introduction by Christian von Arnim
Translated by Christian von Arnim
Edited by Richard Seddon
Paperback
January 2023
9781855846036
More details
- Publisher
Rudolf Steiner Press - Published
31st January 2023 - ISBN 9781855846036
- Language English
- Pages 202 pp.
- Size 6" x 9.25"
$28.00
8 lectures to members of the Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, June 10–17, 1923 (CW 258)
“The reflections we are embarking on here are intended to encourage a kind of self-examination by all those who have found their way to anthroposophy. An opportunity will be provided for such self-examination, for self-examination brought about by a characterization of the anthroposophical movement and its relationship with the Anthroposophical Society. And in this context may I begin by speaking about people who are central to such self-examination. They are yourselves. They are all those who, for one reason or another, have found their way to anthroposophy.” — Rudolf Steiner (June 10, 1923)
These lectures were given at a pivotal point in the development of the anthroposophic movement. Only months earlier, an act of arson caused the destruction of the Goetheanum, and the appearance of its darkened ruins reflected the growing fragmentation of the Anthroposophical Society. Divisions were developing among members and friends, with individual energies increasingly directed toward external initiatives and projects. It was becoming clear that a new impetus was needed.
Within this turbulent context, Steiner presented his lectures in a calm, lively, and informal style, declaring that a yearning for spiritual nourishment had arisen in Western culture during the final decades of the nineteenth century, and that organizations such as the Theosophical Society had gained in popularity. Despite his direct involvement in those events, Steiner is dispassionate when describing how the spiritual movements behind Theosophy and Anthroposophy were able to work together harmoniously before their unavoidable separation. Steiner’s expansive review of the anthroposophic movement provides an important narrative account of the developing Western spiritual tradition and the history of the mysteries.
These lectures also offer rare perceptions of Steiner’s life and philosophy. Those who identify with the movement he founded will discover revealing insights into its background and its potential for future development within the broader scope of human evolution.
The Anthroposophic Movement is a translation from German of Die Geschichte und die Bedingungen der anthroposophischen Bewegung im Verhältnis zur Anthroposophischen Gesellschaft. Eine Anregung zur Selbstbesinnung (GA 258).
C O N T E N T S:
From the Foreword to the First Edition (1931)
Editorial Preface
1. The Homeless Souls
2. The Unveiling of Spiritual Truths
3. The Opposition to Spiritual Revelations
4. Spiritual Truths and the Physical World
5. The Decline of the Theosophical Society
6. The Emergence of the Anthroposophic Movement
7. The Consolidation of the Anthroposophic Movement
8. Responsibility to Anthroposophy
Notes
Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861–1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe’s scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning “wisdom of the human being.” As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal “spiritual science” that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.
