Philosophy of Biodynamic Farming + Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner’s work in farming is built upon the philosophy that a farm should be a self-contained ecological entity.

Everything that is alive is a process undergoing a constant transformation.

Learn more about Steiner’s work in our latest podcast episode…

Audio Clip – link >

Austrian philosopher and educational reformer Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) remains perhaps best known for the educational methods he pioneered in his Waldorf schools, which have spread slowly but steadily around the world since his death.

The New Age philosopher, Rudolf Steiner was the most prolific and arguably the most influential philosopher of his era. Rudolf Steiner also anticipated the growth of organic farming in his opposition to chemical fertilizers. In his view, a farm should be a self-contained ecological entity.

Biodynamic Farming is based on Steiner’s spiritual scientific research drawn from the belief that everything that is alive is a process undergoing a constant transformation.

Compared to organic farming (in common they have: a holistic vision, a closed cycle farming organism, no synthetic chemicals, use of species that are native to the region, no extreme specialization), biodynamic agriculture is based on a way of thinking and acting that respects both the physical world and the non-physical, spiritual and cosmic realities acting in it.

To farm biodynamically does not mean to farm mechanically with a fixed method, nor does it mean to fantasize in pseudo-religious beliefs. Instead, to farm biodynamically means to apply universal principles, ideas, thoughts and feelings, depending on the circumstances, the conditions and the problems one is confronted with at the time on the field and respecting the originality and freedom of those who apply this method.

As a rule, the act of farming commits you to refrain from causing damage and to focus on grasping Nature’s wise laws and morally respect them.

Man is seen as part of nature and not as working against nature: the fundamental aim of biodynamic agriculture is to restore balance and its purpose does not leave things to Nature, but goes beyond Nature, helping it, by supporting its evolution, to obtain a more fertile land that is richer with life.

“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education.”

― Rudolf Steiner

“If we do not believe within ourselves this deeply rooted feeling that there is something higher than ourselves, we shall never find the strength to evolve into something higher.”
― Rudolf Steiner

If you don’t have the organ of perception, you just see the world as it is – not as it could be.

Rudolf Steiner cultivated this perception and saw the world as it could be – this can be a lonely path but explains why his work stands the test of time.

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