All approaches to economic life, all schools of thought, are backgrounded by a world conception of some sort, often however not made explicit. In the case of associative economics, as elaborated on this site, the background conception is the anthroposophical worldview. Anthroposophy – awareness of one's true humanity, wisdom of man – is not an abstract philosophical affair, but is matched by the way Rudolf Steiner at Christmas 1923 embedded the School of Spiritual Science with its 'structure' of three classes and sections in the Anthroposophical Society. Understanding the intention and significance of this is, therefore, a key aspect of the work of the Economics Conference, as part of one of the sections. This page references study material to that end. Under the heading of The Next Phase, it does so within Christopher Houghton Budd's overall and strategic image of what needs to be accomplished by Michaelmas 2033, what one might call the true Second Millenium.
A SOCIOLOGICAL MASTERPIECE
Most those who know of it, see the refounding of the Anthroposophical Society at Christmas 1923 as a discreet affair concerning its members, rather than an act of history concerning all humanity. A sociological masterpiece, no less.
The Christmas Conference 1923
The eye of the needle for associative economics is to apply it to the Anthroposophical Movement itself and to the Anthroposophical Society in particular. Towards 2033 has a simple aim in this regard: to heed the three ‘calls’ by Rudolf Steiner concerning the way in which the Society is financed (see also A Financial Testamentbelow), so that by Michaelmas 2033 the work of the Goetheanum, especially that of the Sections of the School of Spiritual Science, is adequately and buoyantly financed. The three calls point to members’ contributions, research funds and worldwide regular financial support from people generally (much in the manner of organisations like today’s Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund). This page is devoted to highlighting the nature and effect of these three calls.
Revisiting the Christmas Conference
A Retreat Template
A five-day intensive retreat to commemorate the Refounding of the Anthroposophical Society. (Available as free pdf in English.)
From St. Gallen to Spring Valley and Beyond
Spring Valley, USA 6-8 October 2025
The Anthroposophical Society and the School of Spiritual Science – One World Movement
Marc Desaules April 2025
The Meeting of Poles depends on us
Marc Desaules March 2024
Hope. Springs. Eternal – The Crisis in the Anthroposophical Society
Christopher Houghton Budd (video) March 2022
The Challenges of Christmas 1923
Marc Desaules May 2014
A discussion of the inner and outer responsibilities of working with Rudolf Steiner's legacy, especially as regards the challenges of modern economic life. (Available as free pdf in English. Spanish.)
Towards Christmas 2023 – Renewing our Covenant with Rudolf Steiner
Christopher Houghton Budd 2011
Transcripts of lectures given in South America and Spain in 2011, this book makes the inner and outer case for supporting the Anthroposophical Society through deliberate financial support of its work. (Available in English.)
The Deed of Rudolf Steiner – Sociological Masterpiece, Economic Testament
Christopher Houghton Budd 2019 (2010, 1996, 1979)
Originally written in 1979 and revised since, this is a study of the way Rudolf Steiner refounded the Anthroposophical Society with particular regard to its economic dimensions, both as regards its own organisation and the world in general. It includes an annex, 'Tasks, Seeds, Qualities' based on notes taken at the time of Jorgen Smit's an intensive account of the origin, background and purpose of the three classes of the School of Spiritual Science. (Available in English.)
A FINANCIAL TESTAMENT
Both regarding its depth and breadth, Rudolf Steiner's understanding of finance, both historically and today, risks counting for nothing if not applied to his own activities, especially the Anthroposophical Society, carrier of the School of Spiritual Science. The contributions to this topic listed here are intended to illustrate what those insights, when applied, look like today – one hundred years and more since he refounded the Society at Christmas 1923.
Treasurers' Guidelines
proposed April 2019 by the treasurers of various Country Groups of the Anthroposophical Society and adopted in July 2019.
1st Treasurers Research Meeting in US
Ann Arbor, USA March 2024
2nd Treasurers Research Meeting in US
Spring Valley, USA (No report available.)
3rd Treasurers Research Meeting in US
Spring Valley, USA 7/8 October 2025
Truthening our Finances
Meg Freeling December 2021
A detailed consideration of the need to 'truthen' the finances of the Anthroposophical Society if it is to fulfill its destiny. (Available as free pdf in English.)
Other contributions on this topic can be found at http://www.hopespringseternal.world/about/