Mystery of the Universe: The Human Being, Model of Creation

by Rudolf Steiner, Gilbert Childs (Introduction), George Adams (Translator), Mary Adams (Translator), Matthew Barton (Revised by)

Overview

16 Lectures, Dornach, April 9 - May 16, 1920 (CW 201)

What is the ultimate secret of the universe? In these eloquent lectures, Steiner describes the human being as the model of creation and the primary focus of the cosmos. He talks extensively of our intimate connection with the constellation of cosmic forces, the zodiac, and the planets.

The ancient Mystery traditions called individuals to "know thyself!" Rudolf Steiner tells us that this maxim does not ask us to subjectively study our own personal character but to understand our true, archetypal human nature and our decisive place in the universe. As human beings, we will progress and evolve in a real sense only by understanding our human nature and the surrounding spiritual forces - as microcosms within the greater macrocosm.

This book contributes significantly to the development of the contemporary spiritual science of the human being.

This volume is a translation from German of Der Mensch in Zusammenhang mit dem Kosmos 1: Entsprechung zwischen Mikrokosmos und Makrokosmos Der Mensch - Eine Heiroglype des Weltenalls (GA 201). A previous edition was published as Man: Hieroglyph of the Universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781855840690
Publisher:	SteinerBooks, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/01/2001
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.88(w) x 8.58(h) x 0.62(d)

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. 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.

Dr. Gilbert Childs attended the Steiner/Waldorf teacher-training course at Michael Hall in the UK after war service. He later studied at four universities, his doctoral thesis being "Steiner Education as Historical Necessity." After teaching at state and Steiner/Waldorf schools, Dr. Childs tutored for twenty years in a continuing-education college for severely physically disabled students. In his retirement, he is a full-time author and an avid gardener.

George Adams (1894-1963) was a close student of Rudolf Steiner, and translated many of his lectures given to English-speaking audiences. Beginning in 1935, Olive Whicher worked with George Adams in their research into mathematics and physics until his death in 1963. He translated and published numerous books, lectures, and articles.

Matthew Barton is a translator, editor, teacher, and poet, and taught kindergarten for many years at the Bristol Waldorf School. His first collection of poems was Learning To Row (1999). He has won numerous prizes for his work, including an Arts Council Writer's Award and a Hawthornden Fellowship.