The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution [Paperback]

P. D. Ouspensky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 12, 1973

Studies man in view of what he may become. Describes how a man must work simultaneously on his knowledge and his being to find inner unity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Through a series of five lectures, the Russian philosopher whose writings include Tertium Organum and most recently In Search of the Miraculous (October 1, 1949- p. 567) considers the "forgotten science of psychology". Disregarding the study of man as he is or seems to be, with which the modern schools concern themselves, he turns to the study of man as he may be, what man's evolution means and the question of whether there are special conditions necessary to achieve it. The theory and linguistics presented here are far beyond the reach or inclination of this Freud-oriented reader. For followers and seekers. (Kirkus Reviews) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Studies man in view of what he may become. Describes how a man must work simultaneously on his knowledge and his being to find inner unity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 2 edition (November 12, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394719433
• ISBN-13: 978-0394719436
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.2 x 7.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Potentially life changing: explosive knowledge within..., February 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution (Paperback)

When you have had your first 'education' by the way of years of "ordinary" life; when you have been exposed to thousands of works of literature, art, science, religion--and these have created a hunger in you; at a certain point, you may be ready to receive a certain quality of knowledge. When you do, when you recognize its value and if you apply it to your daily life, you yourself can truly change. This book, in the hands of one who seeks, can be a key to the start of a path to a larger and richer world.

How well do you *really* know yourself? Are you willing to go digging? The world is waiting, and a man named Piotr Demianovich Ouspensky saw fit to help you know both it, and yourself, in ways you never guessed.

Yes, there are books that can truly change lives. This is one of them. Do not read if your aim is only to remain comfortable. I wish you the best on your Way.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Fourth Way Explained, October 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution (Paperback)

If you're new to Gurgjieffian thought, this is the book to start with. It gives a general overview of G.I. Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky's main philosophical ideas. The book is in the form of five short lectures that each tackle a particular topic. The major emphasis of the book is that humans need to learn to stop being meachines and to acquire self-consciousness by self-sudy before any upward motion along the lines of knowledge and being can be accomplished. Contains very practical advice.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, July 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution (Paperback)

A spare, terse distillation of the no-nonsense call to waking up in the manner of the 4th Way, which takes place not in the monastery, but in the ordinary conditions of life. Basically, Gurdjieff's transmission of esoteric understanding through Ouspensky's language.