Cosmosophy - Volume One
Cosmic Influences on the Human Being
11 lectures by Rudolf Steiner

Cosmosophy Volume One: “The modern materialistic world conception is a product of fear and anxiety. This fear lives on in the outer actions of human beings, in the social structure, in the course of history . . . Why did people become materialists, why would they admit only the outer, that which is given in material existence? Because they were afraid to descend into the depths of the human being.”

With these words from the first lecture of this volume Steiner characterizes the relationship between inner and outer realities. In a sense deeper than normally recognized the mind-body split is the result of a fear to penetrate the mind, the inner human being. This lack of inner courage and the ignorance with regard to his own true nature rebounds on society and civilization producing the materialism and social chaos modern man finds all around him today. Healing will come only when we summon the courage to penetrate the hidden mysteries of the inner man.

Trans: A. Wulsi (11 lectures, Dornach 23 Sept to 16 Oct 1921, GA207); 180pp
Anthroposophic Press
0 88010 111 3; paperback
 

See also Cosmosophy Volume Two

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy 'anthroposophy', which he defined as 'the consciousness of one's humanity', and the disciplined methods of studying this he termed ‘spiritual science’.  As a highly developed clairvoyant and spiritual initiate, he spoke from his direct cognition of the spiritual world. However, he did not see his work as religious or sectarian, but rather sought to found a universal 'science of the spirit'.

His many published works (written books and lectures) - which include his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development - invite readers to develop their own spiritual faculties.  He also provided indications for the renewal of many human activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. He wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe, and in 1924 founded the General Anthroposophical Society which today has branches throughout the world.
 

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GA 207