Cairo, Egypt. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s death. How does he live on in individual people? Helmy Abouleish, director of the Sekem anthroposophical initiative in Egypt, answers.
Which sentence by Rudolf Steiner has really touched you?
“May wisdom shine through me. May love glow within me. That in me may arise, a helper of humankind, a servant of sacred things, selfless and true.” This is one of the many quotes from Rudolf Steiner that I like.
How has anthroposophy changed your life?
I had my first life-changing encounter with anthroposophy at the age of 14 when I read Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. At that time, I already knew about Steiner, as he had a major influence on my father’s life. I experienced what my father must have felt when he found inspiration for all dimensions of life in anthroposophy and used it to form the Sekem vision: “Sustainable development for a future in which every person can develop their individual potential; in which humanity lives in social forms that reflect human dignity; and in which all economic activities are in harmony with ecological and ethical principles.” My work to realize this vision draws on anthroposophy, among other things, and thus shapes my entire life.
Another important life lesson that I have taken from anthroposophy is the knowledge of the different levels of consciousness within us humans. Living and working from this understanding helps me in my dealings with others. Depending on my individual perspective and my current state of consciousness, I can, for example, ask what others need from me instead of demanding things from them. Anthroposophy is a daily life practice that enriches every experience and every human encounter I have.
More Sekem
Translation Charles Cross
Image Helmy Abouleish, Photo: Samuel Knaus
