ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the history and personal background of Rudolf Steiner and how he developed his ideas on an educational approach meeting the needs of the 'whole' human being. During the late 1800s and early in the 1900s there were great changes happening in Europe: the beginning of the Industrial Revolution brought about the first electric light; travelling first took place by car and airplane; cinema, telephone and telegraph changed the way people communicated with each other; travellers were able to publish photographs of their journeys; and scientists focused their attention on movement, matter and overcoming the forces of nature. Steiner ceremonially opened the first 'Free Waldorf School' on 7 September 1919. Steiner gave thousands of lectures and courses throughout Europe, setting out his programme for spiritual reform of life in the areas of the arts, education, politics, economics, medicine, agriculture, religion and social organisation.
