# Theosophy vs Anthroposophy Written by Kenoi Yan on Quora: > [Theosophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy_(Blavatskian) "en.wikipedia.org") is a form of modern religion focused on connecting with the spiritual world from which all religions stem — by its core philosophy. It is a system of belief that takes into account all existing human belief systems and finds the common threads in them all that represent our connection to the spiritual world as humankind knows it. As in all religions, it aims to develop faculties to connect with this spiritual world. Essentially, it’s a modern, educated form of religion that accepts all existing systems of belief and seeks to connect with and understand our connection to the spiritual world. > > Anthroposophy, in its classical meaning, is the study of human nature, of human wisdom. It is what many inspiring writers and philosophers engage in to understand the human spirit, what “makes us tick”, what we’re made of if you look beyond the mere physical/biological and mental/psychological. > > [Rudolf Steiner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Steiner "en.wikipedia.org")’s [Anthroposophy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophy "en.wikipedia.org") has its roots in theosophy, but completely branches off from it in its fundamental focus and (the nature of) its belief system. > > Focusing on the study of mankind, Steiner has managed to define the makeup of the human spirit in scientific terms through philosophy (see [The Philosophy of Freedom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philosophy_of_Freedom "en.wikipedia.org")), and demonstrated the effectiveness of his theory through practical applications in many fields of human knowledge (biodynamics, schooling system, art, medicine, etc.). > > Steiner has chosen to tailor his branch of theosophy/anthroposophy to keep it in line with the Christian belief systems when it comes to human beliefs, but has kept this belief system separate from his study of mankind (both of which fall under his studies/lectures in anthroposophy). Following the spirit of broader anthroposophy, Steiner encourages open constructive thinking and questioning of his principles, and his anthroposophy is just as open to other beliefs and does not require one to be Christian to benefit from its studies (expansion of awareness/knowledge/wisdom). > > The key goal of Steiner’s anthroposophy is to understand mankind’s connection to the living world around us and the spiritual world that lives inside us and surrounds us. Through developing our spiritual sense/awareness, by being able to observe our thoughts and motives as they are being created at an intuitive level, and truly understanding the bond that binds us to the living world that created us, we become more responsible human beings, essentially — fundamentally not just intelligent, but also truly responsible and wise in our thinking and actions.