Synopsis
17 lectures, Dornach, April 4–June 5, 1921 (CW 204)
In this history of human consciousness, Steiner explains that the world ended in AD 300, when it became impossible to find spirit in nature. Since then, we have been living in an increasingly spiritual world on a disintegrating, dying Earth. Although people have been asleep to the spiritual reality that surrounds us, Steiner shows a way out of today’s blind materialism that takes us toward a new spiritual perception and knowledge, which is the only way that we will find the Christ in our time.
In these exciting lectures, Steiner also talks about the true nature of numbers, they Mystery of the Grail, and the development of materialism. We need to let go of materialism now that it has fulfilled its task of making us true citizens of Earth. Through spiritual science, we must now be come citizens of the spiritual world.
This volume is a translation from German of Der Mensch in Zusammenhang mit dem Kosmos 4: Perspektiven der Menschheitsentwickelung. Der materialistische Erkenntnisimpuls und die Aufgaben der Anthroposophie. (GA 204).
About the Authors
Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz 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. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning “wisdom of the human being.” As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal “spiritual science” that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.
Maria St. Goar (1928–2018) was born in Matsue, Japan, a daughter of Dr. Fritz and Emmela Karsch, who were German citizens. The family lived in Japan throughout World War II. Maria had a limited formal education and was primarily home-schooled in Japan by her mother. Maria had a voracious appetite for reading. At age 12 she began studying Anthroposophy, beginning with books on the Old and New Testament by Emil Bock. Eventually she became fluent in three languages (German, English, Japanese), leading to her future translation work. After the American occupation of Japan began, Maria accepted a position as an interpreter at the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Prosecution Section and arrived in the United States in 1949. Her first marriage ended shortly thereafter, but she married again in 1954, this time to Herbert St. Goar a former German refugee who arrived in the United States just before the War in 1938. Maria worked and volunteered her time as a translator of numerous anthroposophic works by Rudolf Steiner and related authors from German into English for publication in the United States and Great Britain. In 1989, Maria began serving as a Class holder for Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama,was a member of The Christian Community.
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