Rudolf Steiner often spoke of moral qualities. He especially spoke of the fundamental attitude we need to have towards our fellow humans, is that we believe in the original goodness of each individual. He suggested that we must cultivate this belief (that each individual has original goodness in them) in ourselves first, if we are to speak of true morality. Why?? Steiner suggests that, no-one,  if they really develop the belief, the faith, in the original goodness of man, can do other than attain boundless love for human nature.

In the work of our teachers we see this fundamental understanding when we have reverence for each child and the hope that each person can find their way to the divine-spiritual.

Understandably, we can all struggle to maintain reverence and we can also be hypocritical by spouting virtues of goodness while having ugly thoughts about our fellow beings. What is one path to overcome this struggle? Steiner suggests having a healthy interest in others and the world. Our moral impulses are never better guided than when we take a proper healthy interest in the human beings and world of nature around us.

Loving interest and understanding call forth the right moral action from the human soul. This simple sentence, when reflected and meditated on, provides a wonderful way out of conflict. Instead of anger and outrage, we can dig deeper and show interest in the other person and their point of view. Steiner says we have the opportunity to transpose ourselves with loving understanding into other human beings, into other human beings with widely different, often contrasting characters, racial and national characteristics, religious and political views.  

During a trip to South Africa recently, it was starkly evident that change occurs when people remove the blinkers and show interest in others. On a personal level, when visiting Soweto, attitudes and perceptions were transformed through an active interest and desire to deeply understand.

Likewise, when we see differences or we are antagonised by others, especially peers of our children that don’t fit our world view or people that don’t meet our expectations, taking an active interest and having an open heart that wishes to understand can be transformative.

With much gratitude,

Bruce Lee
School Administrator

AGM Shout Out

A reminder to all parents that our school operates as an Association (like your local soccer club) and we need dedicated, wise volunteers to join the governing council. It meets 8 times per year for about 2 hours each session on a Tuesday night. The council has an important oversight and strategic purpose. Without a functioning school council we be doomed.

The Annual General Meeting of the Perth Waldorf School Association Incorporated is to be held on Monday, 29^th May 2023 at 7:00pm, in Seekers Place. Further information and nomination forms were in last week’s Pabulum and are on the school website. Email fpeters@pws.wa.edu.au with any questions.