An Introduction to Waldorf Education and Other Essays

Steiner, Rudolf: - Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian-born philosopher, lecturer, educator, literary scholar, social thinker, and founder of anthroposophy. Trained in philosophy, science, and the humanities, he first became known through his work on Goethe's scientific writings and through his lectures on culture, knowledge, and spiritual development. His later work ranged across education, agriculture, architecture, medicine, drama, social reform, and esoteric philosophy.Steiner's educational ideas led to the founding of the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1919, and the Waldorf movement became one of the most influential alternative education movements of the twentieth century. His approach to education emphasised the development of the whole child, including imagination, moral feeling, practical ability, artistic experience, and intellectual growth. His writings and lectures continue to be read by educators, parents, philosophers, and students of anthroposophy, especially by those interested in the relation between spiritual development and practical social life. Britannica identifies Steiner as the Austrian-born founder of anthroposophy, and Waldorf sources connect his work directly with the founding of the first Waldorf school.