Human and Cosmic Thought
4 lectures by Rudolf Steiner

In these concentrated and aphoristic lectures, Rudolf Steiner demonstrates that there are twelve main philosophical perspectives and that fruitful progress in philosophy depends not on defending one and refuting others, but in learning to experience the validity of them all.

This not only sharpens and makes our own powers of thinking more flexible, but also overcomes a narrow, one-sided thinking, promoting tolerance and understanding for others and their ideas.

Steiner goes on to show how our own perspective is also coloured by a particular "soul mood," which influences the way we actively pursue knowledge. Several philosophers and their works are characterized in this way, thus illuminating their contributions to human knowledge.

Through such insight into the true nature of human thinking, we are led to understand the nature of cosmic thought, which is brought by the cosmic hierarchies.

Trans. C. Davy (4 lectures, Berlin 20 - 23 Jan 1914, GA151); 72pp
Rudolf Steiner Press
ISBN: 1 85584 140 1; paperback
 

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.