Steiner, Rudolf: - 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.

Klein, Johannes Werner: - Johannes Werner Klein (1898-1984) was a German philosopher and, in February 1920, traveled to Dornach with his college and friend Martin Borchart to hear lectures by Rudolf Steiner. After the first lecture, he asked Steiner if it would be possible to found a "third church" (in the sense of Schelling ) that goes beyond Catholicism and Protestantism. Steiner replied in the affirmative, gave him practical advice, and asked him whether he could inspire a sufficient number of his peers to do so. Klein initially understood this as a commission addressed to him personally to work out the foundations for a new cult on his own, so he didn't tell anyone about this conversation. However, during a course held for 18 theology students, a decisive course was set that led to the foundation of The Christian Community in 1922. Klein assumed a leadership role as top link from the start but left The Christian Community in 1929 and turned to National Socialism. Later, Emil Bock tried and failed to persuade Klien to return to work in The Christian Community. After 1945, Klien worked as a freelance philosophical and religious writer and lecturer.

Querido, René M.: - René M. Querido, LLD, was a seminal figure in Waldorf education for a half century. He was educated in Holland, Belgium, France, and England and studied mathematics and physics at London University. Mr. Querido lectured throughout the world on historical and educational topics and was director of Rudolf Steiner College (Fair Oaks, California). He was also Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in America.