Between Racism and Universalism

This paper explores two central poles of Rudolf Steiner’s thought: racial/ethnic hierarchy (primitive/degenerate/earthly vs. advanced/sophisticated/spiritual) and universalism (of the “I” and the eventual disappearance of racial and ethnic differentiations in the future). The relationship between these two poles has been fiercely debated by scholars, anthroposophists, and lay people over the past twenty years. In contrast to previous studies on Steiner’s rac(ial)ism that have focused on how it can be contextualized within the philosophy, sciences, and Theosophy of his day and followed its manifestations in different stages of his life, this article takes an internalist approach, examining how Steiner’s racial doctrine is integral to his teachings as a whole. Demonstrating that the ostensible dichotomy between the two poles on the conceptual plane is false, the article also points to the two incongruous and irreconcilable aspects of Steiner’s personality: while taking a strong stand against racism he also disseminated extremist racial views.