The Education of the Child
and Early Lectures on Education
1 essay and 5 selected lectures by Rudolf Steiner
Introduction by Christopher Bamford

"Spiritual science, by its inherent character and tendency, has the task of providing a practical concept of the world - one that comprehends the nature and essence of human life. . . . For spiritual science is not intended as a theory that is remote from life, one that merely caters to human curiosity or the thirst for knowledge. Nor is it intended as an instrument for a few people who for selfish reasons would like to attain a higher development for themselves. No, it can join and work at the most important tasks of modern people and further their development for the welfare of humankind." - from The Education of the Child

As early as 1884, while tutoring a boy with special needs, Rudolf Steiner maintained an active interest, which continued through his life, in applying spiritual knowledge to the practical aspects of life. The essay that forms the core of this book was originally published by Steiner in 1907 and represents the earliest expressions of his ideas concerning education. Here Steiner lays out the soul-spiritual processes of human development, describing the necessity of understanding how children unfold their being through successive "births," beginning with the physical body's entry into earthly life, and culminating in the emergence of the I-being at adulthood.

Also included here are several early lectures on education (1906 - 1911).

Trans: G. & M. Adams (1 essay and 5 selected lectures)
Anthroposophic Press
128pp; paperback
ISBN: 0 88010 414 7

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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