How We Do Things: The Role of Attention in Spiritual Life

by J.G. Bennett

Four energies, or four kinds of operation, combine together to produce the field of human action. If we understand that there are these energies behind all that we do, then we can learn how to do things more intelligently. Manipulation of the functions themselves is nowhere near as effective as dealing with the energies that make them work. J.G. Bennett gives a practical way of changing the relationships between our energies. This is the key to a new way of life, for we are thereby able to put our attention where it counts most. The book is based on lectures given by J.G. Bennett in the 1960’s in the context of practical application of the ideas.

57 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2011

About the author

John Godolphin Bennett (8 June 1897 – 13 December 1974) was a British mathematician, scientist, technologist, industrial research director and author. He is perhaps best known for his many books on psychology and spirituality, particularly on the teachings of G. I. Gurdjieff. Bennett met Gurdjieff in Istanbul in October 1920 and later helped to co-ordinate the work of Gurdjieff in England after Gurdjieff's arrival in Paris. He also was active in starting the British section of the Subud movement, and co-founded its British headquarters.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and powerful!!!

In this transformative and enlightening book, Bennett breaks down and lays out the way we do things in such a fascinating way, you're bound to be buzzing on the edge of your seat in heightened awareness at the sheer profundity of meaning glowing off the pages. Pure genius!!! Highly recommend for every avid seeker of truth...

[Mitch Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bennett use of slightly esoteric languaging (“energies”) to speak of psychological functions is not especially helpful. Also the signal to noise ratio isn’t super high. But there is more wisdom here than most modern psychological texts.