Meetings With Remarkable Men

📘 About This Book

EXACTLY A MONTH HAS ELAPSED since I finished the first series of my writingsÑjust that period of the flow of time which I intended to devote exclusively to resting the parts of my common presence subordinate to my pure reason. As I wrote in the last chapter of the first series, I had given myself my word that during the whole of this time I would do no writing whatsoever, but would only, for the well-being of the most deserving of these subordinate parts, slowly and gently drink down all the bottles of old calvados now at my disposal by the will of fate in the wine-cellar of the PrieurŽ, and specially provided the century before last by people who understood the true sense of life. Today I have decided, and now I wishÑwithout forcing myself at all, but on the contrary with great pleasureÑto set to work at my writing again, of course with the help of all the corresponding forces and also, this time, with the help of the law-conformable cosmic results flowing in from all sides upon my person from the good wishes of the readers of the first series. I now propose to give a form understandable for everyone to everything I have written down for the second series, in the hope that these ideas may serve as preparatory constructive material for setting up in the consciousness of creatures similar to myself a new worldÑa world in my opinion real, or at least one that can be perceived as real by all degrees of human thinking without the All and Everything: BeelzebubÕs Tales to His Grandson, p. 1236 slightest impulse of doubt, instead of the illusory world which contemporary people picture to themselves. And indeed, the mind of contemporary man, of whatever level of intellectuality, is only able to take cognizance of the world by means of data which, whenever accidentally or intentionally activated, arouse in him all sorts of fantastic impulses. And these impulses, by constantly affecting the tempo of all the associations flowing in him, gradually disharmonize the whole of his functioning, with such sorrowful results that it is impossible for any man, if he is able to isolate himself even a little from the influences of the established abnormal conditions of our ordinary life and is willing to think about it seriously, not to be terrifiedÑas, for example, by the shortening of our life with each decade. First of all, for the Ôswing of thoughtÕ, that is, for establishing a corresponding rhythm for my thinking and also for yours, I wish to follow somewhat the example of the Great Beelzebub and imitate the form of thinking of one highly respected by him and by me, and perhaps already, brave reader of my writings, by you, if of course you have had the daring to read through to the end all of the first series. That is to say, I wish to introduce at the very beginning of this writing of mine what our dear-to-all Mullah Nassr Eddin1 would call a Ôsubtly philosophical question.Õ I wish to do this at the very beginning because I intend to use freely, both here and in my later expositions, the wisdom of this sage, who is now recognized almost everywhere and upon whom, it is rumoured, the title of ÔThe One and OnlyÕ is soon to be officially conferred by the proper person. And this subtly philosophical question may already be sensed in that sort of perplexity which is bound to arise in the consciousness of every reader of even the very first paragraph of this chapter, if he compares the many data on which his firm convictions about medical matters are based with the fact that I, the author of BeelzebubÕs Tales to His Grandson, after the accident which nearly cost me my life, with the functioning of my organism not yet fully re-established owing to the incessant active effort Mullah Nassr Eddin, a legendary figure in numerous countries of the Near East, is an embodiment of popular wisdom.

📖 Summary

Meetings With Remarkable Men stands as the second part of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff's overarching literary output, functioning uniquely as an autobiographical account wrapped in the tradition of spiritual questing and philosophical exploration. The book invites readers into the early life and formative years of the author, charting his relentless travels across the Near East, Central Asia, and remote mountainous regions in pursuit of esoteric knowledge and the true meaning of human existence. Rather than offering a dry historical record, Gurdjieff presents a series of vivid portraits of extraordinary individuals whom he encountered along his path. These figures defy conventional societal expectations, embodying a higher state of consciousness, practical mastery, and a deep dedication to inner development. Through encounters with scientists, seekers, priests, and adventurers, the narrative explores the arduous process of awakening from the sleep of ordinary mechanical life. Gurdjieff details how these remarkable men possessed qualities that set them apart from the mass of humanity, showcasing exceptional discipline, sharp intellect, and a profound understanding of ancient traditions. The text weaves together travelogue, adventure, and philosophical discourse, challenging the reader to reconsider their own values, habits, and assumptions about reality. As Gurdjieff recounts his physical journeys across harsh landscapes, he simultaneously maps an inner terrain of psychological transformation. The work emphasizes that true wisdom is not easily acquired; it demands immense effort, personal sacrifice, and the willingness to question dogmatic beliefs. By sharing his youthful investigations into forgotten origins and hidden brotherhoods, Gurdjieff provides a blueprint for individual liberation and self-knowledge. The prose maintains a distinctive voice that reflects the author's idiosyncratic approach to teaching, blending narrative charm with rigorous philosophical inquiry. Ultimately, Meetings With Remarkable Men serves as a foundational text in the body-mind-spirit genre, inspiring generations of readers to seek out their own extraordinary potential and to look beyond the superficial appearances of the material world in their quest for higher truth.

🎯 Key Lessons

⚖️ Pros & Cons

❓ FAQ

💬 💬 Reader Comments (0)