Philosophy, History and Literature
GA 51
April 1905, Berlin
Translated by Steiner Online Library
17. A Few Words to the Reader
[ 1 ] The following is a transcript of the lectures I gave on Schiller at the Berlin “Freie Hochschule” from January through March. It has been printed solely on the basis of notes taken by two members of the audience during the lectures. I myself was not in a position to review the notes. I am merely complying with an urgent request by giving my consent to publication. Actually, I do not believe that lectures should be printed. What is spoken should be styled to be heard, not to be read. Spoken treatises or books are an absurdity. And so, too, are books derived from transcribed lectures. Anyone with a sense of style will agree with me. Exceptions to this rule may be made in individual cases. Such an exception applies here. It seems to me to confirm the rule.
Berlin, April 1905
Dr. Rudolf Steiner