The Social World as Mystery Center

The Social World as Mystery Center: The Social Vision of Anthroposophy

We can be inspired by spiritual beings in social life. How does this come about? People used to receive such inspiration in places known as “mystery centers,” where contact with spiritual beings took place through initiation. This was a process wherein the individual received training that would open the so-called organs of perception, or chakras. In his latest book, The Social World as Mystery Center, Dutch philosopher Harrie Salman outlines the steps a person must take in his or her development to enhance social life. In a time of extreme polarization, Salman explains that we need to meet others with great warmth. We must resist the temptation to force our opinions on those who cling to already-thought thoughts and demand that others think, speak and act the way they do. People need to come together and support each other. Encounters must be met with genuine love for the other. In this book Salman guides us through steps we can take to build communities and cooperate with others as we travel together on a new path.

“Every spiritual movement is dependent upon its own innate resources to enkindle among its constituents a fire of enthusiasm, devotion and vision for its community. From time to time individuals will emerge with an original formulation of the content and exemplify the necessary and urgent spirit for a renewal within the movement itself. Harry Salman is one such voice. His capacity to articulate a historical conscience on behalf of the Anthroposophical Movement is both illuminating and inspirational. For anyone who has found a wellspring in Rudolf Steiner’s life work and who is moved to share his vital message within the many arenas of social life, this book is an essential guide.”

– William Bento, PhD
Founder, Association for Anthroposophic Psychology
Formally the author of, Holy Nights Journal

About the Author

Harrie Salman, PhD is a Dutch philosopher of culture and society. He taught philosophy at universities in Holland and Eastern Europe. Between 1993 and 2019 he taught Anthroposophy at the Department of Art Therapy of the State University of Applied Sciences in Leiden, Holland. Harrie Salman, in seminars and workshops on spirituality and social consciousness, has worked with people in many countries. He has written ten books on Anthroposophy, European and Russian culture, among them The Rising of the Inner Sun and Europe – A Continent with a Global Mission.