Steiner’s Theosophy and Principles of Spiritual Science (eBook)

Steiner’s Theosophy and Principles of Spiritual Science

“[In February 1904] Dr. Steiner began his lecture tours. Meanwhile, his book Theosophy was published, and I threw myself into it with the greatest enthusiasm, wrestling with it for months with every page, every sentence, and many words. When I had the foundation for a judgment, which I had somewhat carelessly expressed after my visit to Berlin, I would follow this man blindfolded. For now, I had learned to follow with open eyes.” — Carl Unger

“[You will] sense that there is great benefit when intentions surface within the Anthroposophical Society that strive toward an elaboration of epistemological principles in the best of all epistemological senses. And since we have [Dr. Carl Unger], a worker of extraordinary significance in this area right here in Stuttgart, this should be seen as a beneficial stream within our movement.” — Rudolf Steiner (Aug. 17, 1908)

In part one, Carl Unger outlines and unlocks one of Rudolf Steiner’s most essential works, Theosophy: An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human Life and in the Cosmos (CW 9). As a close personal student of Rudolf Steiner and a member of his esoteric school, Carl Unger gained deep understanding of Steiner’s most profound works, especially Theosophy. For those who want to “crack” this book and are willing to work, Unger’s commentary will prove enlightening and help the reader penetrate beyond an intellectual understanding of Steiner’s seminal work.

In part two, the author guides the reader through the essential principles that underlay anthroposophic Spiritual Science. In his foreword to an earlier edition of Steiner’s Theosophy, Alan Howard wrote:

“This little volume, though not the only work from Unger’s hand, is the essence of what he did in this field. It is not everybody’s book, nor, even for those who decide to take it up, an easy book. Each sentence builds closely on all that precede it; each is essential to all that follow. For those students, however, who seek a secure foundation in pure thought for the suprasensory realities of which Steiner speaks, and are willing to give it the study it deserves, this book will be a continuing reward and delight.”

C O N T E N T S:

Editorial Note

Part One: Notes on Rudolf Steiner’s Book Theosophy

Introduction

1. Genuine Spiritual Science Based on Steiner’s Theosophy
2. Spiritual Teacher and Learner
3. The Essential Nature of the Human Being
4. Body, Soul, and Spirit
5. Manas, Budhi, and Atma
6. Re-embodiment of the Spirit and Destiny
7. Perceiving in the Soul World
8. Sensory Observation, Thinking, and Cognition

Part Two: Principles of Spiritual Science

1. The “I” and the Nature of the Human Being
2. Natural Science and Spiritual Science
3. The Philosophy of Contradiction

About the Author

Carl Unger (1878-1929) was born near Stuttgart. His family provided him with a strong background in science and mathematics, which led him to become an engineer and manufacturer. In 1904, he met Rudolf Steiner and soon became a personal student, lecturing extensively on Anthroposophy from 1907 until 1914, when the Goetheanum building began and, as member of the board of the Anthroposophical Society, he assumed the task of overseeing the construction of the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, until he was prevented by World War I. He resumed his extensive lecturing until he was killed by a gunman in Nuremberg. He was the author of several books on Spiritual Science, including The Language of the Consciousness Soul, a concise study guide to Steiner’s “Leading Thoughts”; Steiner’s Theosophy: Notes on the book “Theosophy”; and Principles of Spiritual Science.