Reincarnation and Karma: Two Fundamental Truths of Existence: Two Fundamental Truths of Human Existence (Cw 135) - Softcover

Über die Autorinnen und Autoren

Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning "wisdom of the human being." As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal "spiritual science" that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world.

Herbert Helge Hagens (1922-2021) was born and lived his life in Princeton, New Jersey. His father Henry Hagens was an early practitioner of biodynamic farming and gardening. His mother Emmy Hagens was a Waldorf teacher. Herbert attended the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City and graduated from the Hun School in Princeton. He was a member of the Class of 1945 at Princeton University. After serving as a navy officer in World War II, he married Velva A. Hagens (née Helms) in East Randolph, New York. In 1950 they moved to the family home in Princeton, where they raised their two sons. With his background in electrical engineering and acoustics, Herbert established Hagens Recording Studio in 1952. Herbert was a member of the Anthroposophical Society in America and hosted the activities of the Princeton Group for many years. He took a special interest in supporting the Waldorf school of Princeton and produced a series of videos on Steiner's approach to education and on eurythmy.