Rudolf Steiner was born in 1861 and died in 1925, was an Austrian philosopher, writer, and lecturer whose ideas inspired educational, agricultural, medical and artistic movments. Although he died a long time ago, his influence can still very much be seen in the Steiner schools, biodynamic farms, and anthroposophically influenced healthcare practices that are around the world right now.
In order to understand why his work continues to garner interest, it helps to look at the philosophy behind it, known as anthroposophy.
Who Was Rudolf Steiner?
Steiner studied philosophy and natural sciences, and then became very interested in the wor of Johann Wolfgang van Goethe. Over time, he developed a spiritual philosophy he referred to as anthroposophy, which is often translated as wisdom of the human being.
He referred to anthroposophy as a spiritual science, a path of knowledge that explores the relationships between the physical and spiritual dimensions of existence. His work considered human development, consciousness, nature, and the wider world.
But, it’s not just a religion, nor are there any rules that you have to blindly follow and just be told to have faith. It’s a framework that anyone can consciously and freely use to develop themselves mentally, phsically, and spiritually, that the results of has inspired many practical initiatives over the years.
Steiner’s Influence On Education
One of Steiner’s best known contributions was the development of what is known as Waldorf education, commonly known as Steiner education in the UK. The first Waldorf school was opened in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1919. The educational approach then is inspired by Steiner’s understanding of child development. It places importance on creativity, imagination, practical activities, and learning through different stages of childhood, which is important because traditional education often doesn’t place enough focus on this.
Steiner schools often use storytelling, music, movement, art, and outdoor learning alongside all of the academics. Children aren’t taught the overall philosophy as a subject though, their education is simply inspired by it.
Biodynamic Farming And Anthroposophy
Steiner’s influence was not just in education though, it also moved into agriculture. In 1924, he delivered a number of lectures that later became the very foundation of biodynamic farming.
This approach views a farm as an interconnected living system, rather than a whole load of separate pieces. Soil, crops, animals, and even the wider environment are all include.
Anthroposophic Medicine
This developed through a collaboration with Steiner and Ita Wegman who was a physician. It considers physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the human experience, alongside medical treatment where it’s needed.
All anthroposophical doctors and medical practitioners firstly fully train as doctors in their field first, before undertaking additional further anthroposophical training.
Where Can You Lean More?
- If you want more general background on anthroposophy, you can read What Is Anthroposophy? A Beginner's Guide
- The book Spiritual Science: Is Free, Non-Dogmatic Spirituality Possible In The Age Of Marketing?
The second was written to be an introduction to the world of anthroposophy and gives concepts, context, and further reading suggestions. You can get a copy below or at any major online bookseller (i.e amazon)
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