This book "contains the outline of anthroposophy as a whole," states Rudolf Steiner in his preface. The "occult science" presented herein is not a "secret" knowledge but rather a knowledge of what remains hidden from ordinary sense perception. The light of supersensible research illumines this knowledge and makes it here into an "open secret." After an introduction to the invisible nature of the human body, soul, and spirit-including Steiner's spiritual scientific research on sleep, dreams, after-death experience, and reincarnation-the main content of the book begins in Chapter 4. This is a systematic description of the evolution of the world as it presents itself to an individual consciousness that has transcended the limits of space and time. Steiner portrays the immense drama of the cooperative working of lofty spiritual beings on the complex harmony of the human structure during the seven cycles of previous incorporations of the earth. Following this sweep through long ages of time, the higher tasks and events of the more recent "historical" periods are traced up to the present time and beyond. The fulcrum of this cosmic evolution is shown to be the Mystery of Golgotha. An additional chapter characterizes the training a student must undertake as a preparation for the path of initiation. Steiner depicts the first stages of knowledge of the new "Grail" initiation with the Christ mystery at its center. This path begins with a study of results of spiritual science, such as those presented in this book. The cosmogony outlined in Occult Science provides an inexhaustible source of insight into cosmic and human evolution and destiny. With repeated study of this material, the reader will find the means to open new vistas of understanding into the spiritual origins and connections of the universe, earth, and humanity.
Rudolf 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.
Madeleine (Maud) Breckenridge Monges was married to Henry B. Monges, with whom she lived in Berkeley, California. Together, they were active and devoted students and promoters of Anthroposophy, and both she and Henry translated numerous works by Rudolf Steiner into English. She passed away in March 1936.
Henry Babad Monges (1870-1954) was born in Texas. As a student of architecture, he received M.S. degrees from the U. C. Berkeley and also graduated from the California School of Design with a teaching certificate. At twentythree, Monges joined the Theosophical Society; twenty-one years later, he resigned over his dissatisfaction with the society's leadership. In 1915, Henry married Madeleine (Maud) Breckenridge. That year, he also encountered Anthroposophy, to which he dedicated the rest of his life. Henry was instrumental in establishing Anthroposophy and the Anthroposophical Society in North America. In 1922, Henry and his wife Maud began publishing anthroposophic works from their home in Highland, New York, which led to founding Anthroposophic Press (now SteinerBooks). Henry worked tirelessly for the remainder of his earthly life to make Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy known in North America. He died in New York City at the age of eighty-five.
