Rudolf Steiner (b. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner, 1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. Steiner termed his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning ""wisdom of the human being."" As an exceptionally developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern, universal ""spiritual science"" that is accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unbiased thinking. From his spiritual investigations, Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of numerous activities, including education (general and for special needs), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, Christianity, and the arts. There are currently thousands of schools, clinics, farms, and initiatives in other fields that involve practical work based on the principles Steiner developed. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of human beings, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods for personal development. He wrote some thirty books and delivered more than six thousand lectures throughout much of Europe. In 1924, Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches around the world. Paul Margulies majored in philosophy at Dartmouth College and was creative director for advertising agencies in New York, London, and Paris, where he helped develop advertising campaigns such as the ""plop, plop, fizz, fizz"" commercials for Alka-Seltzer. He was the author of Gold Steps, Stone Steps (1972, Harlan Quist) and lectured on philosophy and Anthroposophy at the Open Center in New York and at Rudolf Steiner House in London. He also led study groups on Anthroposophy. Paul and his wife Vickie lived for many years with their dog Toto in an old farmhouse in western Massachusetts. Paul passed away on October 7, 2014, at the age of 79. Paul Margulies majored in philosophy at Dartmouth College and was creative director for advertising agencies in New York, London, and Paris, where he helped develop advertising campaigns such as the ""plop, plop, fizz, fizz"" commercials for Alka-Seltzer. He was the author of Gold Steps, Stone Steps (1972, Harlan Quist) and lectured on philosophy and Anthroposophy at the Open Center in New York and at Rudolf Steiner House in London. He also led study groups on Anthroposophy. Paul and his wife Vickie lived for many years with their dog Toto in an old farmhouse in western Massachusetts. Paul passed away on October 7, 2014, at the age of 79.