Product Description

This third volume of Peter Selg's comprehensive presentation of Rudolf Steiner's life and work begins with Steiner's invitation to lecture within the Theosophical Society during the summer of 1900. From the outset of his involvement in the Theosophical Society, he was resolved to serve and develop the Western path to the spirit, traversed in full, conscious clarity of thought, and was critical of the prevailing tendency to avoid the modern requirements of a sound knowledge process. Rudolf Steiner's scientific and philosophically based spirituality did not harmonize entirely with theosophical pursuits, which often favored spiritism and Eastern mysticism. Nevertheless, he recognized the sincere strivings at the root of the movement and agreed to assume increasingly greater responsibility for the German Section. Marie von Sivers, who would later become Steiner's wife, was his most supportive colleague during that time. At a decisive juncture, Steiner broke from the Theosophical Society to found the Anthroposophical Society, through which he would continue to develop modern Western esotericism. Peter Selg also describes the building of the first Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, as an artistic embodiment of esoteric wisdom, giving rise to an international working community, performances of Steiner's mystery dramas, and the profound Christological lectures known as The Fifth Gospel.