Rudolf Steiner. Theosophy

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Preliminary Matters

Rudolf Steiner's book Theosophy [ref.] is a cornerstone of Anthroposophy. Its 1910 edition was translated from the third German edition by Elizabeth Douglas Shields. You can look on the following as abstracts.

From the Translator's Foreword

It were perhaps well to mention that in this work the words "know" and "knowledge," when used in reference to the supersensible worlds, involve actual experience of them gained by man through his higher organs of perception.
E. D. S. [ix-x]

From the Preface to the First Edition

He who understands life can become a truly practical man. [xi]
The presentation of the facts given in this book will in no way conflict with the truly scientific methods. [xiii-xiv]
The primary intention of the author has been to give the fundamental truths underlying the whole domain of theosophy.
In a work which deals with the elements of wisdom, things may not be said which belong to the higher stages of wisdom. [xiv-xv]

From Rudolf Steiner's Preface to the Third Edition

The present age requires knowledge of the supersensible by means of supersensible truths. [xvi]
The soul goes into those depths into which it must go if it is to understand itself [in] the inner calm . . . of the soul life. [xvi-xvii]
The knowledge of the supersensible is not merely something that meets a theoretical requirement; it supplies a method for leading a truly practical life. [xvii]
Many today reject most strongly what they most sorely need. [xvii]
The author of this work knows that it contains nothing that any person taking his stand on the basis of the natural science of the present day will be unable to accept. [xviii]
He who knows the true essence of what is called "proving" a matter sees clearly that the human soul finds truth by other ways than discussion. [xix]
Rudolf Steiner

Theosophy Introduction. Capsules

The following capsules are gleaned from Steiner's introduction. The capsules are either direct quotations and abridgements, and occasionally paraphrase. Here and there the citations are shuffled for the sake of sticking to a subject. Also, a series of words that Steiner sets off in small CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis, are not emphasised below at all. I found it to be unnecessary. My additions are set off by square brackets. - TK

The investigator of the higher truth . . . must address his words to all mankind. For he has to make known things that concern all humanity. [3]

The feeling for truth and the power of understanding it is inherent in every human being. In this understanding there is a force which, little by little, must lead to the higher grades of knowledge. In darkness this feeling stirs; the soul does not see, but through this feeling it is seized by the power of the truth. For one person it may take a longer, for another a shorter time. Every spiritual eye can be opened, and when it will be opened is only a question of time. It can be developed in the simple-minded person just as in the scientist of high standing. [3-5]

"Of what use is it to speak to people about things for which their powers of knowledge are not yet awakened, and which are therefore still closed to them?"
One requires certain faculties to find out the things referred to; but if they are made known, every person can understand who is willing to bring to bear upon them unprejudiced logic and a healthy instinct for truth.

All reality, the lower and the higher spiritual, are only two sides of one and the same fundamental essence.

"Higher seeing" alone makes a "knower" in the spiritual just as little as healthy sense organs make a "scholar" in regard to the sensible realities.
Anyone who is unlearned in the lower branches of knowledge will as a rule remain so in regard to the higher.
Allow thinking that looks at "all" sides of a subject and is unclouded by prejudice, and a feeling for truth that is free, and sets no reserves, to take effect. [6]
Just place yourself in the attitude of asking, "If the things that are asserted here are true, do they afford a satisfying explanation of life?" and the life of each human being supplies the confirmation [or not, possibly]. [6-7]

One can fulfill one's task as a human being without understanding anything of botany, zoology, mathematics, and other sciences.
In whom is destined to be a teacher in the spiritual regions of existence, a spiritual call creates reservedness. It should deter no one from occupying himself with the higher truths, or good opportunity for the study of ordinary science. [7]

The highest to which a man is able to look up he calls the "Divine."

The writer of [this book] will present nothing that is not a fact for him. [8]

[MORE TO COME]

Literature
Rudolf Steiner. Theosophy: An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man. Tr. from the third German edition by Elizabeth Douglas Shields. Rand McNally and Company, New York, 1910.

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