Education and Beyond

Education and Beyond: Steiner and the Problems of Modern Society

Is it possible to educate for democracy? Does our education system really teach the fundamental social principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity? Steiner warned that future society would begin to break down in the classroom. We already see evidence of this in the increasing alienation between teacher and pupils, and in the widespread erosion of authority both in the home and in school.

The debate on education cannot be separated from social issues, and Gilbert Childs argues that Steiner’s approach to education comes as a historical necessity for our times. Education paves the way toward the society of the future, and should be our greatest concern as we face the destructive challenges to the fabric of our civilization.

About the Author

Dr. Gilbert Childs attended the Steiner/Waldorf teacher-training course at Michael Hall in the UK after war service. He later studied at four universities, his doctoral thesis being “Steiner Education as Historical Necessity.” After teaching at state and Steiner/Waldorf schools, Dr. Childs tutored for twenty years in a continuing-education college for severely physically disabled students. In his retirement, he is a full-time author and an avid gardener.