Honouring the uniqueness of each human being

In May 2018 the architect Bert Chase became general secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada. In his childhood he had a special nature experience. In this interview he conveys an impression of the Canadian mentality and way of life.

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Sebastian Jüngel What is the «taste» of Canada?

Bert Chase It would have to be the taste of clear crystalline light and cold glacial waters – with a touch of maple syrup

Jüngel How many countries or cultures make up Canada?

Chase One of Canada’s greatest gifts to our contemporary world is the imagination of itself as a cultural mosaic, open to all peoples and cultures - resting on three foundations; the First Nations, the French, and the English. This imagination is a star we strive for. We are in the struggle to become this ideal that, at times, we can sense is on behalf of all humanity.

Longing for Michaelic universality

Jüngel What essential qualities of Canada could be called «anthroposophical»?

Chase When we are at our best, we can sense a deep longing for a Michaelic universality that honours the uniqueness of each human being. When we are not at our best, we fall into the same sectarian divisiveness that infects much of world culture. Then we can feel unwell and remember this call to cultivate our distinct vision of our shared humanity.

Jüngel In what areas is anthroposophy strong in Canada? And do you know why?

Chase Canada is an immense continent of a country. Each area has its own distinct strengths and challenges. What perhaps is constant is an impulse to care - to care for the land, for children, for those with special needs, for the elderly, for those imprisoned. Canada is a place where we have had to depend upon each other to survive in her harsh climate. This social consciousness is the quiet ground we depend upon.

Jüngel When you were asked to become General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society of Canada did you feel a change in your relationship with the folk spirit (Archangel) of the country you represent?

Chase This is a challenging question, one that has lived for decades with us. Who is this Being who we seek to align ourselves with? We have the sense that this Being has not yet fully revealed itself – that we seek for it as it seeks for us. But what we do have is a sense that this Being stands close to Michael, is a companion of Michael.

The gift of a remarkable relationship: Rudolf Steiner and Edith Maryon

Jüngel As an architect you are used to thinking in terms of relationships. Do you see a resemblance to building social communities?

Chase We have the gift of the remarkable relationship between Rudolf Steiner and Edith Marion as the great example for the mystery of how what lives beyond the threshold finds its way into expression – needing substance to reveal itself, artistic process to draw it out of the infinite, and the miracle of close colleagueship to temper our egoism. What more do we need as a guide for our work, and a teaching for healing relationships?

Jüngel As a child you have had a deep experience of the greatness and depth of nature. Do you see a difference between nature impressions and spiritual inspiration?

Chase My first memory is of sunlight captured in a universe of raindrops. These sun-filled droplets mantled the slumbering stones of an ancient site, surrounded by jungle-draped mountains. This miracle of light in substance opened my eyes to the world. It also awakened a deep sense for the hidden light in all substance. This wonder has never left me. It drew me to my life’s work as an architect. It led me to my meeting with Rudolf Steiner.

Talking – and listening

Jüngel What can the General Anthroposophical Society learn from the Canadian culture(s) or way of life?

Chase We believe in talking, and talking ... and hopefully listening as well. This is a gift of the First Nations people who feel that all voices must be heard, have their place and value. We are loath to come to a conclusion prematurely, sensing that if we rush forward, we will only need to retrace our steps. This is a difficult lesson in our «instant» world, but one we keep striving to practise.

Jüngel What can the Anthroposophical Society of Canada learn from the worldwide anthroposophical movement?

Chase Perhaps I have been asked to take on the responsibilities of General Secretary so that I can learn what this might be. The gift of anthroposophy to the world has, in recent years, become an extraordinary kaleidoscope. To try and limit this to something specific, seems to seek to limit what is ever growing, expanding, becoming – that which cannot be limited.

Jüngel We began by looking at Canada’s characteristic features. Let us close with a joke or anecdote you like that exemplifies the Canadian sense of humour.

Chase Well, I have only lived here for 40 years - eh? and was not born with hockey skates – so how can I know Canadian humour – eh? But ...what I do know is that we are absolutely sure who we are – right! Eh? Yep, we are not American – Eh? Right! Come for a visit, and chuckle with us! Eh?

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