Spirituality for Idiots?

I recently interviewed the popular YouTuber Gigi Young on the Spiritual Scientist Podcast.

From my side, it was a good conversation about some very dark topics: the encounter with evil, the possible incarnation of an evil being in human form and some of the more disturbing aspects of modern culture such as pop stars and their penchant for cannibalistic imagery in their music videos.

Thankfully, there were also lighter moments such as Gigi nick-naming Elon Musk “Brain-Chip-Space-Guy”.

We didn’t dive terribly deeply into any particular theme and in some ways it was a light (but dark) conversation which skimmed the surface of things. Nonetheless, I believe we addressed some important topics which many people are interested in.

In the comments section of another platform, I was very suprised to read a comment from an experienced Anthroposophist* which said, simply:

“Flim flam fluff. The Idiot’s guide to *Anthropsophy”.

This got me thinking….

Is the conversation like the one I had with Gigi for “idiots”?

Who are “the idiots” referred to?

Is talking conversationally about deep and serious topics a taboo?

Is Steiner’s spirituality only for an elite who are well read in it, well studied and “in the know” and can express the ideas with precision?

Steiner’s work suffers from an obscurity that belies its depth, richness and the insight it could give the modern world and its deep seated problems. From his thoughts on agriculture, medicine, architecture to education, religion and even law and economics, the breadth and depth is extraordinary.

With all the insight and benefits that have already come to humanity through his work in education, bio-dynamic agriculture and special needs education (Camphill), it’s a crime that he is still so little known.

Arguably, Gigi Young (pictured, below, left) has done more for the visibility of Steiner and his work than anyone else in the Youtube age.

Some have argued that her treatment of Steiner lacks depth. Looking at some of her more in-depth videos, some of them 3 hours long, I would disagree.

But even if her work (or mine for that matter) was in some way, only scratching the surface of Steiner’s ideas, I would still make the case that the exposure is positive.

Of course, the majority of people will only take things on a surface level. Others however, and they may only be very few, will go further. Some will maybe even buy a book of Steiner’s and start the challenging journey of properly engaging with his thought.

Some might even take up some of his spiritual exercises and meditations, well suited to the modern mind and the busy world we live in.

I believe there is a place for light conversation about deep things. In the same way you might talk with a friend over coffee about what’s happening in your life, without needing them to read your deep, intricate diary entries. This kind of conversation can spark questions in the listener that they can choose to take further… or not.

Even if it begins with disagreement with what’s being said, even if there are errors and misquotes and misunderstandings, even if some of the thoughts are poorly expressed (who’s conversations are perfect?), even if only a very few explore things further, I believe the conversation is worth it.

Steiner himself spoke about how, when he was speaking to a large audience, he was really only speaking to one or two people who he sensed would take his ideas further. How this works in the age of the internet, I’m not exactly sure.

Regardless, rightly or wrongly, I’m going to continue having conversations with popular authors and speakers and also more obscure ones in an attempt to bring Steiner’s ideas, even if it be in a “flim flam fluff” form, to a wider audience.

I’d be interested to know what you think, dear reader…

…so, if you’d like to contribute to this conversation, please join us over in The Spiritual Scientist Online Community by clicking here

…or leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading!

NOTES

*Anthroposophy is Rudolf Steiner’s name for his spiritual philosophy and world-view. From the Greek to mean “Wisdom of the Human Being”.

*Anthroposophist is a name given to those who adhere to this world-view.