Bernard Nesfield Cookson

Anthroposophy, established in the early 20th century by Rudolf Steiner, is a spiritual movement that posits the existence of an objectively comprehensible spiritual realm accessible through human experience. Followers aim to pursue spiritual discovery through a mode of thought that transcends sensory perception, seeking clarity comparable to scientific inquiry. While proponents argue their ideas are rationally verifiable, critics have labeled many of them as pseudoscientific.

The philosophy draws from German idealism, Western and Eastern esoteric traditions, and Theosophy. Steiner coined the term 'anthroposophy' to highlight its humanistic focus, defining it as a 'scientific exploration of the spiritual world.' It has been applied in various fields, including education (Waldorf schools, Camphill movement), environmental conservation, banking, agriculture, arts, and organizational development. The Anthroposophical Society is based at the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Despite its influence and notable supporters, some of Steiner's ideas, such as racial evolution and clairvoyance, are not supported by modern science, and critics have raised concerns about its applications in medicine and agriculture.

Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, initially developed concepts of free will based on inner experience in his work 'Philosophy of Freedom.' By the early 20th century, Steiner's focus shifted to spirituality, attracting interest from the Theosophical Society. He became a leader within its German section, significantly increasing membership. However, by 1907, a divergence emerged as Steiner sought to integrate Christian and natural science perspectives, contrasting with the Theosophical Society's Eastern orientation. This led to a permanent split, particularly after Theosophical Society president Annie Besant promoted Jiddu Krishnamurti as the reincarnated Christ, a notion Steiner rejected. Following his departure, many German and other national members joined Steiner in forming an independent group, the Anthroposophical Society, in 1912.

Steiner described his direct experiences with what he termed the Akashic Records, a spiritual chronicle of existence. He proposed a path of inner development, achievable through rigorous ethical and cognitive self-discipline, concentration, and meditation, enabling individuals to attain similar spiritual insights. Steiner emphasized that genuine spiritual development was contingent upon prior moral development. He also believed that clairvoyant sight could be cultivated through these practices. His work aimed to provide a 'scientific exploration of the spiritual world,' accessible through a disciplined, humanistic approach to understanding.

Anthroposophical ideas have been implemented across diverse practical fields, including education through Waldorf schools and the Camphill movement, environmental conservation, banking, agriculture, organizational development, and the arts. The Anthroposophical Society's headquarters are located at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. While acknowledged by supporters and critics for Steiner's anti-racist statements, his writings also contain contradictions regarding race and nationality. Despite its influence, with figures like Saul Bellow and Wassily Kandinsky as supporters, anthroposophy's scientific basis, particularly in medicine, biology, agriculture, and education, has faced significant criticism from scientists and philosophers who deem it pseudoscientific and potentially harmful.

Following Rudolf Steiner's death in 1925, the Anthroposophical Society faced challenges during the Nazi period. While the movement was banned in much of continental Europe, its relationship with the Nazi regime was complex and ambivalent. Despite some Nazi officials supporting anthroposophy, including Rudolf Hess, the regime's stance was not monolithic, with internal factions holding differing views. Some Nazi ideologues viewed anthroposophy with suspicion, linking it to Jewish influence, while others, like Hess, offered protection. This resulted in a period of tenuous tolerance rather than outright, consistent persecution, allowing some anthroposophist authors to continue publishing. The regime's actions against anthroposophists were generally less severe than those against other groups like communists, socialists, or Jehovah's Witnesses, reflecting a broader Nazi ambivalence towards esoteric sciences when they were not pursued independently of totalitarian control.

“Steiner was a moral individualist”

“a scientific exploration of the spiritual world”

“Steiner joined the Theosophical Society in order to take it over.”