Early Life and Education

Rudolf Steiner (27 February 1861 – 30 March 1925) was born in the Austrian Empire (now Croatia). He attended the Vienna Institute of Technology from 1879 to 1883, where he studied mathematics, physics, and philosophy on an academic scholarship. During this period, he was influenced by his teacher, Karl Julius Schröer, and was invited to become the natural science editor for a new edition of Goethe's works.

At the age of 21, Steiner had a transformative encounter with a simple herb gatherer, Felix Kogutzki, who shared spiritual knowledge, sparking Steiner’s deep interest in the spiritual world. This led him to read Goethe's works on natural science, laying the foundation for his later philosophical explorations.

In 1891, Steiner earned a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Rostock with a thesis based on Fichte’s concept of the ego, later published as Truth and Knowledge.

Work on Goethe’s Philosophy and Early Writings

In 1888, Steiner began working as an editor at the Goethe archives in Weimar, where he produced introductions, commentaries, and several books on Goethe’s philosophy. During this time, he also wrote Die Philosophie der Freiheit (The Philosophy of Freedom), which focused on epistemology and ethics, laying the groundwork for his later spiritual science.

“Thinking … is no more and no less an organ of perception than the eye or ear.”

Spiritual Development and Theosophy

In 1899, Steiner published an article, Goethe’s Secret Revelation, discussing the esoteric nature of Goethe’s fairy tale The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily. This led to his involvement with the Theosophical Society, although he never formally joined. In 1902, Steiner became the head of the German section of the Theosophical Society, later founding the Anthroposophical Society after a split in 1912/13.

Artistic Work and Eurythmy

From 1907 onwards, Steiner explored various forms of artistic expression, culminating in the development of eurythmy, an art of visible speech and song. This new artistic form corresponded to speech, music, and emotional qualities through archetypal movements. Steiner also wrote four Mystery Dramas between 1909 and 1913, which continue to be performed by Anthroposophical groups today.

Social and Educational Reforms

After World War I, Steiner focused on practical applications of his philosophy, working with educators, farmers, and doctors to develop Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine. In 1919, he helped establish the first Waldorf School in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Goetheanum and Anthroposophy

Steiner’s vision for a cultural center led to the construction of the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, which began in 1913. Despite the outbreak of World War I, construction proceeded, with volunteers from all over Europe. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1922, possibly due to arson. A second Goetheanum, designed by Steiner, was completed in 1928, three years after his death.

Social and Religious Thought

Steiner proposed a Threefold Social Order to address the inflexibility he believed caused the catastrophes of the war, emphasizing independence among the cultural, political, and economic spheres. In 1919, he published Toward Social Renewal, advocating for these social reforms.

“Each domain of society should be free to operate according to its own principles—freedom in cultural life, equality in rights, and brotherhood in economics.”

In 1920s, Steiner engaged with Lutheran pastor Friedrich Rittelmeyer and others to renew Christianity. This effort led to the creation of The Christian Community, which was independent of the Anthroposophical Society.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1923, Steiner founded a School of Spiritual Science to further his research in various fields, including education, medicine, and agriculture. Despite increasingly frail health, he continued to lecture and work until his death in 1925.

His final lectures, along with his extensive work on karma research, biodynamic agriculture, and spiritual science, contributed to his lasting legacy. He was deeply concerned with human freedom and emphasized the unity of all peoples, critiquing racial prejudice and advocating for the transcendence of race, ethnicity, and gender.

“Every human individual incarnates in different peoples and races… Race, folk, ethnicity, and gender are forms from which the human being will gradually liberate itself.”

Death and Posthumous Influence

Steiner died on 30 March 1925. His contributions to education, medicine, agriculture, and the arts continue to influence a wide range of fields. His Anthroposophy remains a central aspect of spiritual science, with ongoing practices in biodynamics, eurythmy, Waldorf education, and more.