Born on 27 February in Donji Kraljevec, Croatia, as a son of a train station manager. His parents had come from Austria. Spent his childhood and youth in various Austrian towns.

Worked as a private tutor, particularly in mathematic and science.

Graduate study at the Technical Institute in Vienna (Wiener Technische Hoschschule). Followed Goethe.

Was the editor of Goethe’s scientific work for an edition of “Deutsche National Literatur” by Kürschner (five volumes).

Private tutor for a boy whose hydrocephalus had rendered him unable to study. He helped the boy finish school and enrol in the medical school.

Worked on and finished the edition of “Duchess Sophie” manuscripts by Goethe.

Edited the “German Weekly Magazine” (Deutsche Wochenschrift).

Graduate study at the Technical Institute in Vienna (Wiener Technische Hoschschule). Followed Goethe.

Worked at the Shciller-Goethe Archive in Weimar. An edition of Goethe’s scientific papers.

Completed a doctorate in philosophy at the University in Rostock, Germany. Published a dissertation titled The Basic Question of the Theory of Knowledge with Special Reference to Fichte’s Theory of Knowledge.  His doctoral dissertation was published in its extended edition under the title Truth and Knowledge. Introduction to a Philosophy of Freedom.

Met Haeckel; initiated a correspondence with him.

Moved to berlin, where je as the editor (until 1900) of the “Literature Journal” (Magazin für Literatur), spoke against antisemitism. Became the editor of the “Journal of Dramagurgy” (Dramaturgische Blätter) together with O. E. Hartleben. Activities in the “Free Drama Society” (Freien dramatischen Gesellschaft), Giordano Bruno League etc.

Instructor in the “Worker’s Education School” (Arbeiter-Bildungsschule) in Berlin.

Started lecturing on various anthroposophical topics at the invitation of the Theosophical Society in Berlin, presenting the results of his own original esoteric findings.

Appointed Secretary General of the German Theosophical Society. On the same day, held a lecture titled “Anthroposophy”.

Worked as a lecturer in Berlin and various countries across Europe. Marie von Sievers became his permanent associat

Established the Luzifer journal, later titled Luzifer-Gnosis.

First writings on the “threefold social organisation”.

Met Edouarda Schuré; Marie von Sievers translated some of his works.

Organised a global conference of the Theosophical Society in Munich, introducing artistic activities for the first time.

Wrote and produced his four mystical plays, one each year, in Munich.

Introduced eurythmy and vocal shaping.

Parted ways with the Theosophical Society and founded the Anthroposophical Society.

Construction of the first Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland – a wooden work of art.

Married Marie von Sievers (Marie Steiner).

Held numerous lectures in Dornach, Berlin and many other cities across Europe; pointed to the need to revitalise the arts, education, science, social life, medicine, pharmacology, therapy, agriculture, architecture and theology.

Worked as a writer and lecturer on his social renewal; threefold community, mostly in southern Germany. In autumn: founded the Free Waldorf School (Freie Waldorfschule) in Stuttgart, whose principal he remained until his death.

First course for physicians, beginning of what is today known as anthroposophical medicine.

Founded the Das Goetheanum weekly journal with regular contributions; this journal still exists today. Founded the first anthroposophical clinic in Arlesheim, near Dornach, by Ita Wegman; the clinic continued operating as the Ita Wegman Klinik.

The Christian Community religious movement founded by priests who were Steiner’s adherents. Goetheanum burned down on New Year’s Eve (deliberately).

Design and modelling of the second Goetheanum commenced; it was built from reinforced concrete in the period from 1925 through 1928, after his death. During the Christmas conference, founding of the new General Anthroposophical Society (Allgemeine Anthroposophische Gesellschaft).

Published in Das Goetheanum his (incomplete) autobiography every week, covering his life until 1907.

Held the Agricultural Course in Koberwitz, which gave rise to his biodynamic agricultural farm as a precursor to organic agricultural production.  Intensive lectures and numerous courses in the last months prior to his death.

Died in Dornach on 30 March.