Critics claim Anthroposophy is found in the controversial Waldorf curriculum. An intelligent and well-educated man, he was attracted to the ideas of German poet, novelist and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Steiner taught that humanity was created by a host of spiritual beings. Steiner's Anthroposophy taught that a capacity for conscious spiritual perception of these occult realities lies dormant within every human being, and can be awakened through exercises in concentration and meditation. This teaching, coupled with Anthroposophy's acceptance of reincarnation, are important in light of Steiner's educational theories, wherein children advance through various spiritual stages.
Serious problems are nonetheless evident.
Reading is not taught until the second or third grade. There are no textbooks in the first through fifth grades. Many advocates of Waldorf education and schools claim that Anthroposophy is not taught in Waldorf schools or in Waldorf-based curriculum. Technically this is correct, but only with qualification. Anthroposophy is not taught explicitly as a total system of religion, but it does serve as a foundation for Waldorf educational theory and practice, and its teachings are implicit within Waldorf curriculum.