The right words at the right time can have a profound effect on a life. Most everyone has a list of books thay have found influential. The following are some exceprts from books I have found particularly meaningful to my own understanding of myself and the world.
The Body of Time; and the Energies of Being (Arkana Publications, 1991), from which these two chapters are taken, is now out of print. I don't know, I may have been the only person to ever buy this book. But I liked it so much I bought ten copies and gave them away to friends. Thomas' wish is to make metaphysical ideas accessible to everyone and he does a good job on that count.
This essay, presented at the Nineteenth Annual Korzybski Memorial Lecture, January 9, 1970, is from Bateson's Steps to an Ecology of Mind (Ballantine Books). It explores the implications of cybernetics theory in relation to epistemology. Bateson asks, "What do we mean by mymind?" It is not easy reading but is worth the effort. I regard Bateson as one of the most gifted thinkers of our century.
Where Bateson studies Mind as a scientist from the outside, Jacob Needleman observes it as a philosopher and metaphysician, from within. This first chapter from his book, A Sense of the Cosmos; The Encounter of Modern Science and Ancient Truth(Doubleday), presents us with the possibility that the Universe is a living teaching. Don't mistake this for another "New Age" criticism of science. Needleman has the greatest respect for science and for the search for truth that is the heart and soul of science. Be sure to read section 4, What Is Consciousness? Needleman's challenging reflections imply that there are states, levels or qualities of consciousness that can be developed within us. What is more, the implication is that this development is the purpose of both the Cosmos and Great Teachings.
After his extreme popularity a few years ago, it is, perhaps, inevitable that Joseph Campbell should be a bit out of fashion today. Nevertheless, I offer a transcription of this Mystic Fire Audio tape because I find it one of the most pointed discussions of the different levels of art. I don't agree with everything Campbell says—but I'll save my opinions for another day.
