Human Values in Education: (Cw 310)

10 lectures, Arnheim, Holland, July 17-24, 1924 (CW 310)

The underlying thesis of these lectures–volume 20 in the “Foundations of Waldorf Education” series–is that true education must be based on knowledge of the whole human being and that such knowledge cannot be attained without love. On this basis, Steiner presents his understanding of every aspect of child development-bodily, psychological, and spiritual.

At the same time, Steiner shows that, to prove worthy of their calling, teachers must begin a process of inner development. In his view, it is the human being who gives value and meaning to the world, but modern education is gradually undermining this fact. These lectures demonstrate that education can heal such a lack of meaning and restore the value of human beings for the world.

Steiner also discusses the practical, day-to-day operation of the school. He talks about styles of teaching, teacher conferences, parent-teacher meetings, and how Waldorf education is related to the anthroposophic movement.

This book, while serving as a good introduction to Steiner’s ideas on education, also represents the fruits of four years experience in the Waldorf school.

Translated from Rudolf Steiner’s Der pädagogische Wert der Menschenerkenntnis und der Kulturwert der Pädagogik (GA 310), Rudolf Steiner Verlag, 1989.