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Rudolf Steiner draws a clear distinction between the spiritual meaning of the word
Intuition and its conventional definition. As the highest form of spiritual perception, Intuition is existentially significant for our process of knowing. Through systematic self-training, we can develop thinking into an intuitive "organ" through which spirit can be understood and penetrated consciously. Intuition can reveal the essence of spirit and the processes through which human beings and the world manifest, as well as events in our life after death.
In his later works, Steiner spoke of Intuition as a form of suprasensory knowledge that is able to provide direct insight into ordinary, practical life as exemplified in his commentaries on geometry, architecture, education, medicine, eurythmy, painting, and the social organization.
The concept of Intuition is fundamental to Rudolf Steiner's spiritual philosophy. It denotes a clear, pure mode of comprehension akin to a mathematical concept. We encounter this in Steiner's earliest writings on Goethe, in the development of his philosophical ideas, and in his numerous lectures and addresses.
Ably compiled and introduced by Edward de Boer, this volume clarifies a concept that evolved in Steiner's thinking. By following the idea of Intuition in its gradual transformation and amplification throughout Steiner's life of writing and lecturing, this book offers not only inspiring paths to spiritual knowledge, but also insights into how Anthroposophy developed.
This book is a translation from German of
Intuition: Brennpunkt des Denkens (Rudolf Steiner Verlag, 2014).
About the author
Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy
anthroposophy, meaning "wisdom of the human being." As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal "spiritual science" that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.
Summary
The concept of Intuition is fundamental to Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual philosophy. It denotes a clear, pure mode of comprehension akin to a mathematical concept. We meet it in his earliest writings on Goethe, in the development of his philosophical ideas and in his many lectures and addresses.
