An Outline of Spiritual Science

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.

Agnes Schneeberg-de Steur was born in The Hague, where she attended the Waldorf School. After studying and working both in the Netherlands and in Germany, she emigrated to Canada, where she obtained a university degree in classical Greek and German, as well as a college diploma in piano technology. She worked as piano technician, tuning and rebuilding pianos, and also had her own workshop, making furniture and wooden toys. More recently, she has translated and edited The Ten Commandments in Evolution by Ernst Katz and An Outline of Spiritual Science by Rudolf Steiner. She is currently translating lecture cycles for The Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner series.