At first glance, Waldorf schools, biodynamic farms and Weleda skincare products may all seem unrelated. One is an approach to education, one is a way of growing food, and another is a natural cosmetics and healthcare brand. However, all three connect to the same source, anthroposophy, which is a spiritual philosophy that was developed by Rudolf Steiner.
The Ideas
Rudolf Steiner founded anthroposophy in the early twentieth century, and described it as a path of knowledge seeking to understand human beings and the world through careful thinking, and the development of inner awareness.
Steiner’s philosophy is not just a set of lifestyle recommendations though, nor is it a conventional religion. It includes a number of spiritual ideas about human development, consciousness, nature, as well as the relationship between visible and invisible worlds. Steiner presented these ideas as a form of spiritual science, although a lot of claims are not verified by mainstream scientific methods.
Anthroposophy is not something that every person involved in Waldorf schools, biodynamic farming, or Weleda products must believe in personally. Instead, each organisation has its purpose, and involvement does not require any sort of personal belief in the philosophy. As such, it helps to distinguish Steiner’s teaching from the different ways that organisations interpret and apply them today.
From Education To Farming And Healthcare
The first Waldorf school opened back in 1919 in Stuttgart, after Steiner shared his educational ideas. Waldorf education emphasises the development of the whole child, instead of just the intellectual side like traditional schools. It involves bringing together intellectual learning, practical activities, creativity, and the arts. Overall, it reflects Steiner’s understanding of childhood and human development.
Biodynamic agriculture emerged from lectures that Steiner gave to farmers back in 1924. Showing the farm as an interconnected system, paying particular attention to things like soil health, composting, and more, it focuses on natural development.
Weleda was founded in 1921 by people who worked with both Steiner and physician Ita Wegman. Its products and healthcare approach were influenced by anthroposophical ideas about the relationship between humans and nature. Camphill communities, which support people with learning disabilities and other support needs, grew from anthroposophical principles.
All anthroposophical doctors are first trained as doctors in their field, and then go on to undertake additional anthroposophical training.
Finding A Reliable Introduction To Anthroposophy
Despite the influence that it has had on the world, finding a clear and balanced explanation of anthroposophy can be a challenge. Accounts of Steiner’s work are often incomplete, overly enthusiastic, or altogether dismissive. Often, important concepts are presented without enough context also.
For those who want to understand the ideas instead of relying on the assumptions, ‘Spiritual Science: Is Free, Non-Dogmatic Spirituality Possible In The Age Of Marketing?’ offers an accessible starting point. It was written to be a beginner friendly introduction, outlining a number of central concepts, explaining them in context, and providing recommendations for further reading also.
You can get a copy of the book below, and there is additional background that you might find helpful if you read another introduction to anthroposophy.
So, while Waldorf schools, Weleda and biodynamic farming may not be the same, their shared history leads back to Steiner and anthroposophy.
(the book is also available from amazon and other major online booksellers, just search for the title)
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