'Essentially we do not really have the right to talk about
normality or abnormality in a child's inner life, nor indeed in the
inner life of human beings altogether...One does not gain much from
such labelling, and the first thing to happen should be that the
physician or the teacher rejects such an assessment, and goes
further than saying that something is clever or sensible according
to the way people are habitually thinking.' - Rudolf Steiner
Speaking in 1924, when general attitudes to people with special
needs were far from enlightened, Rudolf Steiner gave this seminal
course of lectures to a small group of teachers and doctors as a
fundamental basis for their future work. In the cultural context of
the time, regressive ideas such as Social Darwinism and Eugenics
were not only tolerated but popular (some 15 years after these
lectures were delivered, the Nazis were to initiate their so-called
'euthanasia' programme). In contrast, Steiner - who as a young man
had successfully tutored a boy with special needs - was devoted to
the progressive task of special education and, in the words of one
of those present, '...gave the course with pleasure and
satisfaction'. In the twelve lectures, Rudolf Steiner describes
polarities of illness and derives courses of treatment from a
comprehensive analysis. He considers many individual cases in
detail and gives indications on therapeutic exercises, diet and
medicine. The 'I' (or self), he states, relates directly to the
physical body, and spirit and soul need to be taken into
consideration when making diagnoses. Throughout the course Steiner
gives valuable advice regarding the educator's own development,
emphasizing the need for enthusiasm, humour and courage. As with
Steiner's lectures on agriculture, which stimulated the birth of
the worldwide biodynamic movement, this single course has had a
huge international impact, inspiring the founding of hundreds of
schools and communities for people with special needs -
encompassing both the Camphill and Steiner special education
movements. Revolutionary in its approach, the far-reaching
perspectives of these lectures are a living source of inspiration
to both professionals in the field and parents and others seeking
spiritual insight. This new edition features a fresh translation,
introductory material, notes, colour plates and an index. 12
lectures, Dornach, Jun. - Jul. 1924, CW 317
General
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