The Social World as Mystery Center: The Social Vision of Anthroposophy

We can be inspired by spiritual beings in social life. How does this come about? People used to receive such inspiration in places known as mystery centers, where contact with spiritual beings took place through initiation. This was a process wherein the individual received training that would open the so-called organs of perception, or chakras. In his latest book, The Social World as Mystery Center, Dutch philosopher Harrie Salman outlines the steps a person must take in his or her development to enhance social life. In a time of extreme polarization, Salman explains that we need to meet others with great warmth. We must resist the temptation to force our opinions on those who cling to already-thought thoughts and demand that others think, speak and act the way they do. People need to come together and support each other. Encounters must be met with genuine love for the other. In this book Salman guides us through steps we can take to build communities and cooperate with others as we travel together on a new path.