What Is Anthroposophy? Steiner's Spiritual Science Explained
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy developed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). The word comes from Greek: anthropos (human) + sophia (wisdom). It means "wisdom of the human being." Unlike abstract mysticism, anthroposophy has generated real-world movements: Waldorf schools, biodynamic farming, complementary medicine, and communities for people with disabilities.
Quick Answer
Anthroposophy (an-thro-POS-o-fee) is a spiritual philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1912. He defined it as "a path of knowledge that aims to lead what is spiritual in the human being to the spirit in the cosmos." It describes humans as having body, soul, and spirit, and claims that through disciplined inner development, we can perceive spiritual realities directly. Practical applications include Waldorf education, biodynamic farming, and anthroposophic medicine. It is not a religion.
Steiner defined anthroposophy as:
"A path of knowledge that aims to lead what is spiritual in the human being to the spirit in the cosmos."
This is not abstract mysticism. Anthroposophy has generated real-world movements: Waldorf schools, biodynamic farming, complementary medicine, communities for people with disabilities, and distinctive approaches to art and architecture.
What Anthroposophy Actually Claims
At its core, anthroposophy makes three claims:
- Spiritual realities exist - There are dimensions of existence beyond what physical senses perceive
- Humans can know them - Through disciplined inner development, we can develop faculties to perceive spiritual realities directly
- This knowledge has practical value - Understanding the spiritual aspects of human beings and nature leads to better education, medicine, agriculture, and social life
Steiner called this approach "spiritual science" (Geisteswissenschaft in German). He meant it literally: a systematic method for investigating spiritual realities with the same rigor that natural science applies to physical phenomena.
The Human Being in Anthroposophy
Anthroposophy describes the human being as existing in three realms simultaneously:
Body, Soul, and Spirit
Body: Our physical existence. Through the body, we perceive the physical world and belong to it.
Soul: Our inner life of thinking, feeling, and willing. Through the soul, we experience pleasure and pain, desire and aversion. We construct our personal relationship to the world.
Spirit: Our connection to universal truth and cosmic realities. Through the spirit, we can know things that are true regardless of personal preferences.
As Steiner put it: "Man is citizen of three worlds."
This threefold picture extends into how we function:
- Head/Thinking: The nerve-sense system, centered in the head. Cool, reflective, image-forming.
- Heart/Feeling: The rhythmic system of breathing and circulation. Mediating between thinking and willing.
- Limbs/Willing: The metabolic-limb system. Active engagement with the world, making things happen.
This framework underlies Waldorf education's emphasis on "head, heart, and hands" - engaging all three aspects rather than just intellectual training.
How Anthroposophy Developed
Steiner did not arrive at anthroposophy suddenly. His path involved:
Philosophy (1880s-1890s): As a young scholar, Steiner edited Goethe's scientific writings and wrote philosophical works on knowledge and freedom. His 1894 book The Philosophy of Freedom established the epistemological foundation for his later spiritual work.
Theosophy (1902-1912): Steiner became head of the German Section of the Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky. For a decade, he worked within this movement while developing his own distinctive approach.
The Break (1912-1913): Tensions grew between Steiner and the Theosophical leadership. Key differences:
- Steiner emphasized Western spiritual traditions; theosophy oriented toward the East
- Steiner saw Christ's incarnation as a unique, central event in human evolution; theosophy treated Christ as one teacher among many
- Steiner rejected the claim that the young Jiddu Krishnamurti was a new world teacher
In December 1912, Steiner founded the Anthroposophical Society. Most German theosophists followed him. The Theosophical Society expelled him in March 1913.
Practical Development (1913-1925): The final twelve years of Steiner's life saw an explosion of practical applications: Waldorf education (1919), biodynamic agriculture (1924), medical work, architectural projects, and the arts.
Practical Applications
Anthroposophy is unusual among spiritual movements for generating concrete practical initiatives:
Waldorf Education
Over 1,200 schools and 2,000 kindergartens in 75+ countries. The largest independent school movement in the world. Based on anthroposophical understanding of child development through three seven-year stages.
Biodynamic Agriculture
Steiner's 1924 agricultural lectures founded biodynamic farming - the first intentional organic agriculture movement. Biodynamics treats the farm as a living organism, uses natural preparations, and follows cosmic rhythms for planting and harvesting. It predated the modern organic movement by decades.
Anthroposophic Medicine
A complementary medical approach that integrates conventional medicine with understanding of the human being as body, soul, and spirit. Practiced alongside conventional medicine in Europe, with hospitals and clinics in Germany, Switzerland, and elsewhere. Uses natural remedies, artistic therapies, and biographical counseling.
Camphill Communities
Founded in 1940 by Karl Koenig, a physician who worked with Steiner's ideas. Camphill communities provide residential support for people with developmental disabilities, based on the principle that every person has a healthy inner self regardless of outer limitations. Over 120 communities in 26 countries.
Eurythmy
A movement art developed by Steiner that makes speech and music visible through gesture. Used therapeutically and taught in Waldorf schools.
Architecture
Anthroposophical architecture uses organic forms rather than right angles, responding to Steiner's idea that buildings should be living expressions of their function. The Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland (headquarters of the Anthroposophical Society) is the most notable example.
Is Anthroposophy a Religion?
No. Anthroposophy has no creed, no required beliefs, no worship services, no clergy. Steiner was explicit that anthroposophy should not become a religion or demand faith.
He called it a "path of knowledge" - a method for developing perception of spiritual realities, not a set of doctrines to believe. People of all religious backgrounds (and none) study and practice anthroposophy.
That said, anthroposophy does have spiritual content. It speaks of spiritual beings, reincarnation, karma, and the centrality of Christ in human evolution. For some, this resembles religious teaching. The distinction Steiner made is that anthroposophy invites investigation rather than demanding belief.
A related movement, The Christian Community, was founded in 1922 by priests who asked Steiner for help renewing Christian ritual. This is a religious organization, distinct from the Anthroposophical Society, though sharing common roots.
Common Questions
How do you pronounce anthroposophy?
an-thro-POS-o-fee (stress on the third syllable)
How is anthroposophy related to theosophy?
Steiner worked within the Theosophical Society from 1902-1912 before founding anthroposophy. The basic framework (spiritual hierarchies, human constitutional elements) has roots in Blavatsky's theosophy, but Steiner developed it in distinctive directions, particularly emphasizing Western traditions and the centrality of Christ.
Is anthroposophy scientific?
Steiner claimed anthroposophy was scientific in method - systematic, disciplined, verifiable through inner experience. Most scientists consider it outside the bounds of science because its claims are not testable through conventional scientific methods. Whether that makes it "unscientific" or simply "a different kind of knowledge" depends on your philosophy of science.
Do you have to accept anthroposophy to benefit from Waldorf education or biodynamic farming?
No. Many parents choose Waldorf schools without any interest in anthroposophy. Many farmers practice biodynamic methods for practical results. The applications stand on their own merits, even if their origins lie in anthroposophical insight.
Steiner's Own Definitions
Steiner gave several definitions of anthroposophy over the years:
"Anthroposophy is a consciousness of our humanity."
- Lecture, February 13, 1923
"A path of knowledge that aims to lead what is spiritual in the human being to the spirit in the cosmos."
- Anthroposophical Leading Thoughts
"A method for investigating and testing what is generally human and general world phenomena."
- Address, August 19, 1923
He was reluctant to fix a single definition, using terms like "spiritual science" and "anthroposophical spiritual science" interchangeably. He wanted to avoid the impression that anthroposophy was a closed system of doctrines rather than an open method of inquiry.
Where to Learn More
Steiner produced over two dozen books and approximately 6,000 transcribed lectures. Entry points include:
- Theosophy (1904) - Introduction to anthroposophical view of the human being
- How to Know Higher Worlds (1904) - Practical path of inner development
- An Outline of Occult Science (1910) - Comprehensive presentation of spiritual evolution
- The Philosophy of Freedom (1894) - Epistemological foundation
The Anthroposophical Society has branches worldwide. The headquarters is in Dornach, Switzerland, at the Goetheanum.
Explore Steiner's Work
Anthroposophy encompasses Steiner's insights on human development, consciousness, and practical life. Explore our collection of Steiner-inspired resources.
Explore Collection