From Elephants to Einstein: Answers to Questions

The remarkable discussions in this volume took place between Rudolf Steiner and workers at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. The varied subjects were chosen by his audience at Steiner's suggestion. He took their questions, to which he generally gave immediate answers. The astonishing nature of these responses―their insight, knowledge, and spiritual depth―is testimony to his outstanding ability as a spiritual initiate and profound thinker. Accessible, entertaining, and stimulating, the records of these sessions will be a delight to anybody with an open mind.

In this particular collection, Steiner deals with topics ranging from elephants to Einstein. He discusses, among other things, ants and bees; shells and skeletons; animal and plant poisons―arsenic and lead; nutrition―proteins and fats, potatoes; the human eye and its color; fresh and salt water; fish and bird migration; human clothing; opium and alcohol; thinking; and bodily secretions.

From Elephants to Einstein is a translation of Natur und Mensch in geisteswissenschaftlicher Betrachtung (GA 352).

Rudolf 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. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner's multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.