A guide for the puzzled Quotes

“There is today a great deal of talk about the attainment of 'higher states of consciousness.' Unfortunately, this aspiration, in most cases, does not grow out of a deep respect for the great wisdom traditions of mankind, the world religions, but is based on such fantastic notions as an 'Aquarian Frontier' or the 'Evolution of Consciousness,' and is generally associated with a total inability to distinguish between the spiritual and the occult. It seems that the real aim of these movements is to obtain new thrills, to master magic and miracles, thereby enlivening existential boredom. The advice of all people knowledgeable in these matter [sic] is not to seek occult experiences and not to pay any attention to them when they occur -- and they will almost inevitably occur when any intensive inner work is undertaken.”
― E.F. Schumacher, A guide for the puzzled

“In the Fourth Field of Knowledge there is only observation of movement and other kinds of material change; meaning or purpose, intelligence or chance, freedom or necessity, as well as life, consciousness, and self-awareness cannot be sensually observed. Only 'signs' can be found and observed; the observer has to choose the grade of significance he is willing to attribute to them.”
― E.F. Schumacher, A guide for the puzzled