Human and Cosmic Thought (The Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner)

4 lectures, Berlin, January 20–23, 1914 (CW 151)

What convinces us of the truth of a point of view?
Why do we find it difficult to understand or accept differing perspectives?
What are the inner foundations of our knowledge?

In these concentrated, aphoristic lectures, Rudolf Steiner speaks of twelve main philosophical perspectives and the importance of comprehending each of them. Appreciating the variety of worldviews not only sharpens our thinking and makes it more flexible, but also helps us to overcome a narrow-minded one sidedness, promoting tolerance of others and their ideas and opinions. The future of philosophy rests not on defending one perspective and refuting all others, but in learning to experience the validity of all perspectives.

Steiner also explains how each philosophical standpoint is colored by a particular soul “mood” that influences the way we pursue knowledge as individuals. He describes the work of several thinkers in this way while shedding light on their unique contributions to human culture. Through such insights into the true nature of human thinking, we are led to understand the quality of cosmic thought, and how human beings are a thought that is thought by the hierarchies of the cosmos.

This revised translation features an introduction by Robert McDermott and editorial notes and appendices by Frederick Amrine, along with an index.

This volume is a translation from German of Der menschliche und der kosmische Gedanke, Rudolf Steiner Verlag; 2nd ed., 2014 (GA 151).

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.