Rudolf Steiner emphasized that his written works contained the essence of spiritual science. His lectures were delivered to specific audiences in a specific time and place, which influenced the nature and content of what he said. Steiner’s more than 6000 lectures were thus never intended to replace his written works.

Steiner described his purpose and method in writing:

“An anthroposophic book...is meant to be received into inner experience. This leads to the gradual awakening of a certain understanding. This may be a very faint, inner experience. But it can—indeed, should—occur. And the strengthened depth gained through the exercises described in How to Know Higher Worlds is just that—a fortifying deepening. This is necessary for progress on the spiritual path; but a properly written anthroposophic book should awaken the spiritual life of the reader, and not merely be a collection of information. Reading it should be more than reading; it should be an experience accompanied by inner shocks, tensions, and resolutions.” (from his Autobiography).

To see Rudolf Steiner's essential, “Foundational Works,” click here.

In addition to the “Foundational Works,” these pages contain Steiner’s other written works.