Esoteric or inner knowledge is no different from other kinds of human knowledge and ability. It is a mystery for the average person only to the extent that writing is a mystery for those who have not yet learned to write.

Rudolf Steiner's quote addresses the idea that esoteric or inner knowledge is not inherently mystical or inaccessible; rather, it is simply a type of knowledge that may seem mysterious to those who are unfamiliar with it. He compares it to writing, which, for someone who has not learned to write, would appear complex and difficult to understand. The point he is making is that mysticism or esoteric teachings are only mysterious to those who have not yet been introduced to the necessary concepts or frameworks to comprehend them.

The comparison between esoteric knowledge and writing emphasizes that all forms of human knowledge and ability follow a learning process. Just as writing can be understood and mastered with practice, so too can esoteric knowledge. The concept that something seems mysterious is merely a reflection of a person's lack of exposure or understanding. Steiner’s philosophy suggests that, with the right education and guidance, any form of knowledge, no matter how abstract or spiritual, can become accessible and understandable.

Steiner’s approach to esotericism proposes that the division between ordinary and inner knowledge is not a fundamental one, but rather a result of cultural conditioning and personal growth. For those who have not yet developed an awareness of certain spiritual truths, the ideas may appear confusing, just as complex subjects are initially unclear to a novice in any field. This reflects Steiner’s broader ideas about spiritual development, where deeper understanding comes with experience, study, and reflection.

The origin of the quote lies within Steiner's body of work in anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the development of human consciousness and the pursuit of higher truths. Steiner's view is that all knowledge is interconnected, and the more a person cultivates their own inner development, the more they will be able to access and understand esoteric teachings.