Mystery of the Universe: The Human Being, Model of Creation

What is the ultimate secret of the universe? In these eloquent lectures,Steiner describes the human being as the model of creation and the primary focus of the cosmos. He talks extensively of our intimate connection with the constellation of cosmic forces, the zodiac, and the planets.

The ancient Mystery traditions called individuals to “know thyself!” Rudolf Steiner tells us that this maxim does not ask us to subjectively study our own personal character but to understand our true, archetypal human nature and our decisive place in the universe. As human beings, we will progress and evolve in a real sense only by understanding our human nature and the surrounding spiritual forces — as microcosms within the greater macrocosm.

This book contributes significantly to the development of the contemporary spiritual science of the human being. This is a new edition of Man: Hieroglyph of the Universe.

Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) became a respected and well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, particularly known for his work on Goethe’s scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his earlier philosophical principles into an approach to methodical research of psychological and spiritual phenomena. His multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, philosophy, religion, education (Waldorf schools), special education (the Camphill movement), economics, agriculture (biodynamics), science, architecture, and the arts (drama, speech and eurythmy). In 1924 he founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which has branches throughout the world.