Agriculture: An Introductory Reader
Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the development of many practical activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations that are founded directly on his principles.
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Agriculture: An Introductory Reader
Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the development of many practical activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations that are founded directly on his principles.
9.99 In Stock
Agriculture: An Introductory Reader

Agriculture: An Introductory Reader

Agriculture: An Introductory Reader

Agriculture: An Introductory Reader

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Overview

Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the development of many practical activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and many other organizations that are founded directly on his principles.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781855843295
Publisher: Rudolf Steiner Press
Publication date: 04/02/2013
Sold by: Bookwire
Format: eBook
Pages: 256
File size: 283 KB

About the Author

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. 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.

Dr. Richard Thornton Smith is a former a geography professor at the University of Leeds, specializing in soil science, environment, and conservation. Widely traveled, he has a long-standing interest in indigenous and sustainable farming. He was introduced to the work of Rudolf Steiner at an early age, and became fully involved with biodynamics in 1990, when he began to participate in training programs and workshops at Emerson College, UK. In 1996, he began a biodynamic extension program in Sri Lanka, for which he published a book, updated in 2007. Since 2001, he has been an inspector for the Biodynamic Association's Demeter and Organic certification program in the UK. In 2003, he produced an edited selection of Steiner's work relating to agriculture. He is currently a council member of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association and lives in Ross-on-Wye, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction1
1.The Evolving Human Being14
The contemporary human being15
Former evolutionary stages17
The emergence of modern consciousness21
The significance of changes in nutrition28
2.Cosmos as the Source of Life34
Stars and the significance of the zodiac35
The sun and its planetary relationships42
Elementary conditions and spiritual beings46
The nature of the four primal elements49
3.Plants and the Living Earth54
Plants, minerals and creation55
The plant world between earth and sun57
Earth's seasonal and diurnal breathing processes60
Trees and the astral environment of plants67
4.Farms and the Realms of Nature73
Animals and the farm individuality74
The cow, her horns and manure80
The mission of birds and insects84
Fungi and plant diseases89
5.Bringing the Chemical Elements to Life95
The nature of the atom96
Planetary influences on earthly life98
Silica, lime and clay102
The elements of organic substance106
6.Soil and the World of Spirit115
Nurturing the life of the soil116
The resonance of chaos and cosmos123
7.Supporting and Regulating Life Processes131
Field sprays to invigorate soil and plant132
Vitalizing solid or liquid organic fertilizers134
Suppressing the growth of weeds142
Regulating the abundance of pests144
8.Spirits of the Elements148
Elementals as the manifestations of cosmic forces149
Elemental beings of the plant kingdom152
Elementals as gatherers of substance159
9.Nutrition and Vitality163
New concepts in nutrition164
The plant and the digestive process166
The nutrition and health of animals175
10.Responsibility for the Future186
The inner challenge for human beings187
Human influence on nature's processes190
Recognizing the needs of spiritual beings193
The long-term goal of humanity197
Notes205
Sources225
Further Reading231
Note Regarding Rudolf Steiner's Lectures235
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