The Anthroposophic Movement

8 lectures to members of the Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, June 10-17, 1923 (CW 258)

"The reflections we are embarking on here are intended to encourage a kind of self-examination by all those who have found their way to anthroposophy. An opportunity will be provided for such self-examination, for self-examination brought about by a characterization of the anthroposophical movement and its relationship with the Anthroposophical Society. And in this context may I begin by speaking about people who are central to such self-examination. They are yourselves. They are all those who, for one reason or another, have found their way to anthroposophy." -- Rudolf Steiner (June 10, 1923)These lectures were given at a pivotal point in the development of the anthroposophic movement. Only months earlier, an act of arson caused the destruction of the Goetheanum, and the appearance of its darkened ruins reflected the growing fragmentation of the Anthroposophical Society. Divisions were developing among members and friends, with individual energies increasingly directed toward external initiatives and projects. It was becoming clear that a new impetus was needed.

Within this turbulent context, Steiner presented his lectures in a calm, lively, and informal style, declaring that a yearning for spiritual nourishment had arisen in Western culture during the final decades of the nineteenth century, and that organizations such as the Theosophical Society had gained in popularity. Despite his direct involvement in those events, Steiner is dispassionate when describing how the spiritual movements behind Theosophy and Anthroposophy were able to work together harmoniously before their unavoidable separation. Steiner's expansive review of the anthroposophic movement provides an important narrative account of the developing Western spiritual tradition and the history of the mysteries.

These lectures also offer rare perceptions of Steiner's life and philosophy. Those who identify with the movement he founded will discover revealing insights into its background and its potential for future development within the broader scope of human evolution.

The Anthroposophic Movement is a translation from German of Die Geschichte und die Bedingungen der anthroposophischen Bewegung im Verh?ltnis zur Anthroposophischen Gesellschaft. Eine Anregung zur Selbstbesinnung (GA 258).