| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 77
28 Jan 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| The “situation” consisted of Max Heindel, a Dane who had emigrated to America, gaining access to all of Rudolf Steiner's lectures in Berlin under the name Grashoff, borrowing all of the lecture notes from members and, after returning to America, writing his book based on all of this information. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 77
28 Jan 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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77To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Letterhead: Hotel Royal, Düsseldorf M.l.M. Between the F.M. and the evening lecture, I write you my warmest thoughts and greetings. How is l. M.? I have only included Tyberg,1 Justmann, Jacob, Bovermann 2 and Hilverkus.3 The others can really wait. Schmeling 4 She has also been included in the second degree. She was so sweet that when Scholl asked her what degree she had, she replied the 3rd. Then it turned out that she thought that the degrees were counted incorrectly and that you went from the 3rd to the 2nd and then to the first. Altmann writes that he was offered the translation of Max Heindel's book. So I have to refer to that. 5 It is really the case that some things one experiences are only felt in such a way that one would rather avoid feeling them. My telegram to Düsseldorf, which I sent on Friday evening, arrived at Smit's on Saturday at 5 p.m. I myself arrived in Düsseldorf an hour before. They had scheduled the lecture on “Human Soul and Animal Soul” so that the mishap there was not too great. Warm regards, Ralf.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 80
01 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Given the moods that the current artistic activity is creating in people, it is difficult to get along with these people. It is the atmosphere that this way of understanding art creates. Doser 7 can only come over on June 1. I was only able to talk to him briefly due to the rush; but it seemed to me as if he was counting on us with joy. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 80
01 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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80To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Bonn, February 1, 1911 Dear Marie, I have just received your kind letter. It gives me such deep satisfaction to hear from you that you are feeling a little better. But take care of yourself. I send you my warmest greetings and fondest thoughts. If there is any chard 6 nuisance, it would be best to ignore him. Given the moods that the current artistic activity is creating in people, it is difficult to get along with these people. It is the atmosphere that this way of understanding art creates. Doser 7 can only come over on June 1. I was only able to talk to him briefly due to the rush; but it seemed to me as if he was counting on us with joy. Warmest regards, Rdlf. Waller! I'll be here in Bonn until tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 p.m.: Hotel Stern. Tomorrow and Friday: Coblenz: Hotel Monopol; Saturday at 11 o'clock 7 min. I travel from Coblenz to Elberfeld, where I am staying at: Hotel Weidenhof. Sunday evening I travel to Düsseldorf: Hotel Royal.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 82a
03 Feb 1911, Marie Steiner |
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| The lack of a hall is a separate issue and has nothing to do with my illness, but would also be a reason to cancel. I can fully understand how difficult your situation is vis-à-vis the members and wanted to point out that you must also assert this reason for yourself. — I am very sorry that you are having these difficulties; the Germans will also have to do without a few things. |
| Waller has the kindness to write the letter under dictation. 8. from 1913 head of an anthroposophical working group in Helsinki. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 82a
03 Feb 1911, Marie Steiner |
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82aMarie von Sivers to Eduard Selander,8 Helsinki Signed by hand Mieta Waller, only signature and addition in her own hand. February 3, 1911, Berlin Dear Dr. Selander, The prospects for the course in Helsingfors are quite bleak.9 As a result of my constantly rushed life and the incessant traveling, I have now become seriously ill and have to take a long break from work. Since I have to stay in my room here, Dr. Steiner finds it necessary for me to spend the spring in the south. Now, at the beginning of April, he will be representing Theosophy at the Philosophical Congress in Bologna. A journey from there back up to the far north would be out of the question for me. And without me, it is impossible for Dr. Steiner to cope with everything that traveling and courses in foreign countries entail. He would not travel to Finland without me and also considers it his duty to help me recover, since I have finally worn myself out working for the Theosophical Society. I did not answer your letter immediately because we naturally hoped that the symptoms would improve more quickly. However, this is not the case at all and it seems quite clear that I can only regain my strength by spending a longer period in the south. The question now is whether you could have the course in the summer or would rather wait until next year. It would certainly be safer to wait until next year. The fact that you cannot get a hall seems to be connected with my “mishap” in a strange karmic way. After all, it is impossible to send out the invitations if you cannot get a hall. Otherwise there would be nothing wrong with the program, but it is impossible to get Dr. Steiner to come unless there is certainty that a good hall has been rented. These difficulties could also have an impact on a number of things that you cannot clearly see. The lack of a hall is a separate issue and has nothing to do with my illness, but would also be a reason to cancel. I can fully understand how difficult your situation is vis-à-vis the members and wanted to point out that you must also assert this reason for yourself. — I am very sorry that you are having these difficulties; the Germans will also have to do without a few things. A little too much work has been demanded. With sincere regret and kind regards, your wife and you, looking forward to your news, M. v. Sivers Frl. Waller has the kindness to write the letter under dictation.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 86
18 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| The chairman 11 says that he still finds it difficult to understand my “theosophy”*. “Therefore” “he explains” St. John to his members. I will hear tomorrow how M. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 86
18 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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86To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Saturday, February 18, 1911 Strasbourg M. l. M. These lines, in which I send you my warmest thoughts and greetings, will probably not reach you by tomorrow. Tonight I have the public lecture here. So far, people have been there. The Novalis branch does not seem to want to flourish. Its members complain that the chairman cannot give them enough. The chairman 11 says that he still finds it difficult to understand my “theosophy”*. “Therefore” “he explains” St. John to his members. I will hear tomorrow how M. L. M. is doing. Warm regards, Rdlf * He believes he will be ready in a year or two.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 87
19 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| They say they don't really know why they have separated, and the chairman Schneider believes that in two years he will be able to understand my “Theosophy”. Not true: a beautiful aspect! Until then, he is interpreting the cycles through St. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 87
19 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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87To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Freiburg i. B. M.l.M. I have received your kind letter with Schlegel's letter here. I really do hope that the resumption of the phosphorus remedy will speed up the improvement. What Sch. writes about the opening is, of course, entirely in line with my opinion. And the idea of this opening was based on the feeling that nothing should be left undone that could help my dear, good M. to recover as soon as possible. Only Schlegel paints the possible consequences of the opening a little too black. If Schlegel 12 I am glad that he is not counting on this to speed up her recovery. I hope that the phosphorus will also alleviate the pain described in your lines in the next few days. It will also be in line with your opinion to consult Dr. Gisevius 13 only if you notice any deterioration. Right, if this should be the case, I will get a message immediately! I hope, however, that I will find my l. M. somewhat improved after the days of travel. I keep counting the days remaining of the nine until I can be with you again. I am now here in the city where gunpowder was invented, until tomorrow at 11:49 a.m., then I am going to Mulhouse in the Black Forest (you have to add i. Elsass to Mülhausen), where I am staying at the Grand Hotel National. Tuesday night I am going to Basel (Hotel Viktoria). Then, after Basel, Friday, Saturday Zurich (Pelikan); then St. Gallen. The Novalis Lodge in Strasbourg will probably have to go to sleep; the members want to return to Oehler. They say they don't really know why they have separated, and the chairman Schneider believes that in two years he will be able to understand my “Theosophy”. Not true: a beautiful aspect! Until then, he is interpreting the cycles through St. John. Warmest thoughts and greetings, Rdlf. Please don't avoid nourishing yourself, even if you are feeling unwell. It's not pedantry. It really is part of getting better now!
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 88
22 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Please, if you can still postpone it, do so. It really isn't good for you to undergo this procedure right now. Take care of yourself and continue to write a few words about your state of health. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 88
22 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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88To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Letterhead: Grand Hotel Victoria & National, Basel My darling, I only received the letter to Mulhouse late in the evening before I left, so a telegram sent yesterday would have arrived in the middle of the night. I couldn't telegraph from here until this morning. But it probably didn't do any harm for you to start with the phosphorus today. The effect of this remedy will hardly change during the period of the indisposition. In any case, it was not necessary to interrupt the treatment you had started. M. l. M. In your letter, which arrived just now, for which I thank you most sincerely, you write that you want to go to the dentist. Please, if you can still postpone it, do so. It really isn't good for you to undergo this procedure right now. Take care of yourself and continue to write a few words about your state of health. Receive warmest thoughts and best regards, Rdlf |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 90a
28 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Miss von Sivers cannot be replaced by anyone else, even if this is not easy for outsiders to understand. If I were to make the trip to Helsingfors in May anyway, it would be impossible for me to take care of Miss v. Sivers' recovery. It is understandable that little has been done so far since there has not been a day off. And that is much more important than Miss v. |
| You know I am happy to come; and I would like the matter to be resolved in complete loving harmony under all circumstances. Since the lectures have been scheduled, there could well be reasons for you not to consider postponing them. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 90a
28 Feb 1911, Rudolf Steiner |
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90aRudolf Steiner to Eduard Selander, Helsinki Dear Dr. Selander. I am very sorry that the delay in our planned conversation has caused you some difficulties, and I would very much like to avoid such inconvenience. I would like to do everything I can for our 'theosophists'. The reason I am only writing to you today is that I have never had such a busy travel schedule as I have had recently. Even in Berlin this winter, I was only just able to make it to the lectures. If the laws of the higher worlds could be directly applied to the physical plane, everything would be easier. But this physical plane has its own very fixed laws, especially with regard to time. In this respect, it is often overlooked that anyone who must feel fully responsible to the spiritual world has the strict duty to express everything he has to say on the physical plane as a Theosophical science in the most precise way. And it must not be overlooked that the time necessary to express the theosophical truths in the lecture is the very least in relation to that which is needed to implement the knowledge of the higher worlds into the forms that apply to expression on the physical plane. One has the double burden of responsibility: first, to the higher worlds; nothing may be said that cannot be valid before them; second, to the physical world; everything must be formulated as precisely as possible in order to achieve full congruity of the physical word with the facts of the higher world. This must be taken into account when judging the time required for theosophical work. It so happened, for example, that my “Anthroposophy” has been half printed since November 14, and could not even be touched since then because it was impossible to let the truths that stand spiritually before me take the path through the pen onto the paper. Yet I know from the spiritual world that the work should be presented as soon as possible. It is really not for trivial reasons that Miss v. Sivers has suggested to you the postponement of the Helsingfors lectures. You would misunderstand Miss v. Sivers completely if you thought that it was only in the usual sense a matter of postponing the journey because she cannot come with you. It was meant that in her illness a karmic hint (pointer) should be seen to interrupt the travel work a little, because its incessancy must impair the inner solidity of the theosophical work in the long run. So it is given to you to consider whether you do not want to voluntarily take this karmic hint into account in full agreement with us. It would, after all, be best for the theosophical movement if not only the conditions of the physical plane but also the indications from the higher worlds were taken into account in our actions. It was believed that you thought it best for us to postpone the matter. The external would have to be overcome if it could not be otherwise. If I want to fulfill all the conditions mentioned above and the Theosophists are to receive the right thing, then the very necessary requirements for a longer stay can only be met if Miss v. Sivers takes care of them. In Germany, I have to travel alone for short stays; it is truly not possible without the greatest expenditure of spiritual strength, if a good part of my physical strength is not to be lost with each journey. Miss von Sivers cannot be replaced by anyone else, even if this is not easy for outsiders to understand. If I were to make the trip to Helsingfors in May anyway, it would be impossible for me to take care of Miss v. Sivers' recovery. It is understandable that little has been done so far since there has not been a day off. And that is much more important than Miss v. Sivers not being able to make the trip. In all likelihood, she will not be able to do so later either, since the attack of illness is quite severe and the necessary rest will take a long time. --- However, if you voluntarily agree to a postponement, which only needs to be as long as necessary, it would be possible for me to attend the philosophers' congress in Bologna, where I am to speak about Theosophy, to which I am supposed to speak about Theosophy, a period of time during which I could calmly carry out such work, which is almost indispensable for Theosophy at the moment, whereas the trip to Helsinki would postpone it for an indefinite period of time. For example, the Prague cycle, which I will hold from March 18 to 28, should be published immediately. There are real dangers if this cannot be done. I will mention only one of these dangers: recently, a large part of my theosophical writings has been printed in an outrageously unauthorized manner by a busy American party. This is not so bad because it is plagiarism. There would be nothing wrong with that; people could plagiarize as much as they like for my sake. In the field of theosophy, however, this is out of the question. What is at issue, however, is that my communications are printed in a completely distorted way and that the distortion is harmful. If I am not put in a position to print things as they should be, then really great harm will eventually result. It is also quite alarming that our Theosophists cannot distinguish between them all and that there are Theosophists in Western Europe who consider the distorted, incorrect versions to be genuine. Dear Doctor, you can see that there are real theosophical necessities. Therefore, I leave it to you to voluntarily agree to a postponement and to motivate our Finnish friends exactly as I myself must consider them motivated by the necessity of certain written works. We can leave Fräulein v. Sivers' illness out of it altogether; it is a karmic pointer. However, if you still wanted me to come in May, I would have to do it against this motivation; I am happy to take on the personal effort, although I then do not know how I can take sufficient care to restore Fräulein v. Sivers' health. I certainly don't mind traveling. I therefore ask you to look at the matter in the way described, and if we can agree on this matter, to regard it as a genuine theosophical collaboration. I would not want to simply say: I am not coming, but I would prefer it if we could think together. However, if you consider it necessary or better for me to come in May due to the circumstances in Finland, then I will come. You know I am happy to come; and I would like the matter to be resolved in complete loving harmony under all circumstances. Since the lectures have been scheduled, there could well be reasons for you not to consider postponing them. Therefore, I have told you in detail how things stand. However, I would not want your plans to be completely thwarted by my not coming, even though it would cause me great difficulties if the trip had to be made. And now I ask you to tell me what you think can be done according to the local conditions. In theosophical faith, Dr. Rudolf Steiner
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 104
11 Feb 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Perhaps Scholl will travel from Graz to Vienna every 14 days; Julius Breitenstein 6 a rather good talent emerges; he explains the “occult science” to people, and everyone is charmed by his earnest and understanding manner. Milek seems to be stuck in Vienna again; she is not here, and it is not at all clear whether she will make the decision to go to Graz at all. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 104
11 Feb 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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104To Marie von Sivers in Berlin Letterhead: Hotel Moser, Klagenfurt February 11, 1912 My dear Mausichen, so it is only today that I actually get around to sending you these warm greetings; Breslau and Vienna were somewhat overcrowded; and the day between the two places was spent traveling. It is just as well that the snowstorms have passed for the time being; this means that the journey from Graz to Berlin will go without hindrance. The first day in Vienna was a real weather phenomenon; all day long it was full night; one stepped into absolute darkness when one came out on the streets; the birds even did not leave their roosts in the trees; and in the rooms, one lived with the light on as in the night throughout the day. The lectures went well in both Breslau and Vienna; there was definitely an increase in the attention of the public audience; the Viennese lodge must now be left to its own devices for a while; Reif, who is absolutely exhausted and can no longer stand on her feet, must take some time off. Perhaps Scholl will travel from Graz to Vienna every 14 days; Julius Breitenstein 6 a rather good talent emerges; he explains the “occult science” to people, and everyone is charmed by his earnest and understanding manner. Milek seems to be stuck in Vienna again; she is not here, and it is not at all clear whether she will make the decision to go to Graz at all. It's really hard to do anything with her. She has talent, but a very Viennese will, which is negative. Rainer is coming to pick me up now, and then all the Theosophists present here are to follow and drink coffee with him and see his mills 7. Therefore, only warmest greetings from Rudolf.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 104a
28 Feb 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Perhaps Scholl will travel from Graz to Vienna every 14 days; Julius Breitenstein 6 a rather good talent emerges; he explains the “occult science” to people, and everyone is charmed by his earnest and understanding manner. Milek seems to be stuck in Vienna again; she is not here, and it is not at all clear whether she will make the decision to go to Graz at all. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 104a
28 Feb 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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104aTo Marie von Sivers in Berlin Letterhead: Hotel Moser, Klagenfurt February 11, 1912 My dear Mausichen, so it is only today that I actually get around to sending you these warm greetings; Breslau and Vienna were somewhat overcrowded; and the day between the two places was spent traveling. It is just as well that the snowstorms have passed for the time being; this means that the journey from Graz to Berlin will go without hindrance. The first day in Vienna was a real weather phenomenon; all day long it was full night; one stepped into absolute darkness when one came out on the streets; the birds even did not leave their roosts in the trees; and in the rooms, one lived with the light on as in the night throughout the day. The lectures went well in both Breslau and Vienna; there was definitely an increase in the attention of the public audience; the Viennese lodge must now be left to its own devices for a while; Reif, who is absolutely exhausted and can no longer stand on her feet, must take some time off. Perhaps Scholl will travel from Graz to Vienna every 14 days; Julius Breitenstein 6 a rather good talent emerges; he explains the “occult science” to people, and everyone is charmed by his earnest and understanding manner. Milek seems to be stuck in Vienna again; she is not here, and it is not at all clear whether she will make the decision to go to Graz at all. It's really hard to do anything with her. She has talent, but a very Viennese will, which is negative. Rainer is coming to pick me up now, and then all the Theosophists present here are to follow and drink coffee with him and see his mills 7. Therefore, only warmest greetings from Rudolf.
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| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 106
07 Mar 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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| Telegrams and letters have arrived; I was not entirely happy with yesterday's telegram, because it reports a new swelling, which I actually don't quite understand. So far, I plan to arrive in Munich on Tuesday morning and arrange for our transfer to Berlin on Wednesday evening. |
| 262. Correspondence with Marie Steiner 1901–1925: Correspondence 106
07 Mar 1912, Rudolf Steiner |
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106To Marie von Sivers in Munich M. l. M. Telegrams and letters have arrived; I was not entirely happy with yesterday's telegram, because it reports a new swelling, which I actually don't quite understand. So far, I plan to arrive in Munich on Tuesday morning and arrange for our transfer to Berlin on Wednesday evening. And it will certainly be best if we can do it that way. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to write the planned letter to Mrs. Besant during these days in Berlin 9. I wanted to send it to you to translate. Hopefully I can do it in the next few days. It is very necessary. Because if something doesn't “happen”, even if it's just a rare clarification in a letter, we won't be able to get out of the turning shop around a point that isn't one. Everywhere I look, I see nothing but the purest talk-twisting with every inclination to degenerate into personal bickering. Yesterday we had F.M. here for Günther Wagner's birthday.10 It was a strange affair, the like of which we have never seen before. Wagner's Italian daughter 11 and Mrs. Knoch 12 were also present. Regarding the former, I told both Wagner and the daughter herself that admission to this festival does not in any way oblige us to admit her to our F.M. gatherings in the future. As for the Vollrath woman, there was no possibility of considering the case further. I have always emphasized that all members registered in the T.G. are admitted to branch meetings at which I speak. The Vollrath woman is a member: 13 So she could not be turned away. Of course, she can always attend lodge meetings in all places where I do not speak. That goes without saying. I therefore had the Vollrath woman write to me in response to a request she made by letter through the pneumatic tube: because it has become a principle not to turn away members when I speak in a lodge, we cannot turn her away. To mistake such a formulation for an invitation rather than a rejection is entirely in keeping with the recipient. But the Vollrath woman came. So there was nothing to be done. But I also think it's good that we are behaving this way. M. |. M., we really have enough on our hands with the Vollrath case. I don't see why we should be made to look even slightly unjust. At first, Mrs. Wolfram found Mrs. Vollrath to be an excellent member, just like Mr. Müller.14 Then she called her a “noodle”. That may all be. But there is also a lot more. And we have no reason to be reviled as the T.G.'s lackeys. I am quite clear that if I also explain the nonsense in the “Müller case” and many other things connected with it, you will no longer say that I have given in to the demands of the Vollrath woman, but you will realize that it is stronger not to break a principle in such a case (you don't have to be a stickler for principles) than to form a special judgment for a course of action in every single case. Now I can't write any more; I have to pack, because I have to leave for Mannheim today, Thursday, at 10 a.m., because the public lecture is there tomorrow. So I have to have the not at all easy pastor 15 for the whole day. Kind regards, Rdlf.
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