The following is an Interview with Marjatta van Boeschoten, the General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain. Taken from the Golden Web, a free publication.

 

1. What do you think Anthroposophy can offer

individuals and the world that sets it apart from

other paths?

 

Rudolf Steiner considered Anthroposophy (wisdom of the human being) a science of the spirit intended for everyone who is looking for deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. It offers a path of self-development that connects the inherently spiritual within each of us to a wider spiritual reality all around us, which we can all access. It is neither based on faith or belief, rather on knowledge and individual experience.

In the last 100 years, people across the world have been inspired to put Rudolf Steiner’s insights and guidance to practical effect in many fields of activity. This includes biodynamic agriculture, education, medicine, banking, the arts and much else.

 

2. What do you think Anthroposophy can offer

individuals and the world that sets it apart from

other paths? 

 

In today’s materialistic world a most important insight is that the spiritual world exists. As much as we are surrounded by nature in everyday life, so also are we surrounded and accompanied by beings that accompany and support us throughout our lives. We come from somewhere at birth and return there after death. This immense perspective can give us vision and confidence to live our lives on this earth in the wisest way possible.

 

3. Do anthroposophists tend to believe similar or

different things outside of the spirituality?

 

Rudolf Steiner intended his insights to be for people of all backgrounds and cultures and of any religion or none. It is for each person to take up these insights in their own way and integrate them into their individual lives as they freely chose. The freedom of each person is sacrosanct and how one lives one’s life is a purely personal decision.

 

4. If you could say something to everyone in the

world about anthroposophy, what would it be?

 

There is more to life than meets the eye and Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual science can lead one to discover endless insights about being human, the natural world in which we live and the super-sensible world that surrounds us. This helps us to better know ourselves, to cultivate the best in us and to do good in the world in ways that are so urgently needed at this time.

 

5. What is the Anthroposophical Society?

 

The world-wide Anthroposophical Society was founded by Rudolf Steiner at the Goetheanum in Switzerland in 1923 and the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain was founded in London in the same year. There are now country Societies or groups in many parts of the world. It has always been the case that anyone can join the Society regardless of religion, race, nationality, social standing or scientific or artistic conviction. The Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain organises conferences, workshops, festivals and other events that deepen the understanding of anthroposophy both for its members and for all those searching for a modern form of spirituality.

At the heart of the Society is the School of Spiritual Science which offers a meditative path for those who want to take up anthroposophy more fully and to take responsibility for anthroposophy in the world. At our beautiful centre at Rudolf Steiner House in central London we have a bookshop, café, library, meeting rooms and the vibrant Marylebone Theatre.

Books by Rudolf Steiner and other authors can also be purchased online
at: www.rudolfsteinerbookshop.co.uk

 

6. What does being a member of the Anthroposophical

Society mean? Do I have to do anything/are there any

prerequisites?

 

There are no prerequisites to being a member. Anyone can join and nothing is expected other than to consider that spiritual science as practiced at the Goetheanum in Switzerland, and other places, is justified. If this were not the case one would be joining the wrong Society.

Generally, people join the Society because they wish to further their knowledge of Steiner’s insights and integrate it into their lives and work. Meeting and working with others with similar aims can greatly enrich this experience and build supportive networks and friendships.

 

To learn more about, contact or join the Anthroposophical Society, visit anthroposophy.org.uk