The Spiritual Scientist Podcast · Mick Young

What Was Rudolf Steiner Really Like? His Visits to Britain, Steiner Education & the Intellect

·1 hr 40 min·5 clips

Discover why Rudolf Steiner split from the Theosophical Society over a controversial claim about Krishnamurti.

This episode of The Spiritual Scientist Podcast features host Autumn in conversation with Marietta van Boeskoten, General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain. Marietta shares her personal background growing up in an anthroposophical family and her professional journey from lawyer to management consultant specializing in creative conflict resolution. The discussion centers on Rudolf Steiner's life, his visits to Britain, and the foundational principles of Anthroposophy. Marietta details her family's multi-generational connection to Steiner, noting her grandfather met him in early 20th-century Vienna and her father was a Waldorf school teacher. She explains her own Waldorf education in Gloucestershire fostered curiosity, trust, and an interest in others, which she applied in her consultancy work across industries and governments. Rudolf Steiner made over ten visits to Britain between 1902 and 1924, totaling about five months, with destinations including London, Oxford, Torquay, Tintagel, and Penmaenmawr in Wales. His initial trips were for Theosophical Society conventions, where he served as the German general secretary and stayed in upper-class intellectual circles. A significant rift occurred in 1912 when senior Theosophists proposed Jiddu Krishnamurti was a reincarnation of Christ, a claim Steiner disputed based on his spiritual research. Marietta characterizes the core difference as Theosophy's Eastern spiritual orientation versus Steiner's Western, scientifically-grounded "spiritual science." Despite the split, Steiner remained grateful to the Theosophical Society for providing an early platform to share his insights. Researcher Crispian Villeneuve documented these visits in two detailed volumes exceeding 1,500 pages, which Marietta used to understand Steiner's human presence beyond his texts. A compelling insight is that Steiner explicitly rejected the role of a guru, desiring to be understood rather than blindly followed. He emphasized that inner meditative work could nurture a real connection with those who have died. Marietta observes a contemporary "epidemic" of mental health issues linked to unanswered existential questions, with more diverse individuals seeking answers at the London Rudolf Steiner House. The conversation highlights Steiner's modernity, his integration of artistic and scientific thinking, and his definition of morality as having an interest in the other person. The tone is conversational and educational, blending personal narrative with historical detail. Listeners interested in alternative education, spiritual philosophy, or modern applications of Steiner's work would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a critical analysis of Anthroposophy or a purely academic historical treatment might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A measured look at Steiner, Britain, and the spiritual stakes of a changing age.

This episode traces Rudolf Steiner's visits to Britain and the people who kept working with his ideas in London, with Marietta van Boeskoten keeping biography and setting in view at the same time.

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If you want Rudolf Steiner's visits to Britain in a reflective historical frame, start here.

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