The Master Game

by Robert S. de Ropp, Iven Lourie (Primary Contributor)

s/t: Pathways to Higher Consciousness
This book is a compelling exploration of the human psyche and of the specific techniques through which man can achieve the highest possible levels of consciousness. This exploration, which involves every aspect of human behavior--the instinctive, motor, emotional, and intellectual--is, in the words of the author, "the only game worth playing"--the Master Game. This best-known consciousness classic by Robert S. de Ropp sold more than 200,000 copies in the '60's and '70's and influenced two generations of readers on their spiritual paths. Scientist de Ropp's summary provides a fine introduction to the various practices of meditation, yoga, Fourth Way, and other paths.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Religion

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BOOK TO READ WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG. ACTUALLY, THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BOOK TO READ ANYTIME YOUNG OR OLD. AND IT IS CERTAINLY WORTH A RE-READING. ALTHOUGH WRITTEN IN THE 60s IT IS JUST AS RELEVANT NOW AS THEN.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for any Seeker or anyone who is interested in the topic. The book covered several areas of discussion on consciousness, and delves into some of the reasons why human beings have struggled to reach levels of higher consciousness in their lives. To me, it is a must read!

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

One social current central to "the sixties", a current in addition to the political, was what may be called "the human potential" movement. For me it began with a public speaking course taken during summer school at Maine Township High School South. Among other research projects, inspired by articles in Life Magazine, I did one on psychedelic drugs. The owners of Time-Life themselves were, as the CIA put it in those days, "experienced" and the articles were generally very positive, alluring even. I hadn't taken any drugs whatsoever at that point, but the study of them and of the persons who took and studied them got me to continue such researches and to begin experimenting myself soon thereafter.
De Ropp's book was one of many I read on the subject of consciousness enhancing drugs. It also discusses other methods of expanding the boundaries of human being such as various yogic disciplines and encouraged me to experiment with them in college.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of occasional insight and interest but basically a self help book framed as something much more. The deployment of Sheldon's typology is particularly dubious as are the author's endeavours to reduce historical error to immature consciousness.

[Zendali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why this is a classic and a bestseller.
This book has a lot of good ideas to give some thought to, I’ll come back to this book many times.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me as an introduction to the Gurdjieff work. Splendid. It remains prominent on my bookshelf today and I often refer to it.

[Whoof]

Flippin great

[Kirtida Gautam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not some stupid new age BS book. It is one of the best books on Creative Psychology. The author knows his subject and presents it in matter-of-fact manner.

[David Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book comports very well with early, Oriental Christianity.

It was the finest and most advanced of the "games people play" or "transactional analysis" genre of books that came out in the late 60's toward the end of the Vietnam War. It has frequent references to the social pathology of warmongers, while offering devotees of the Way a rewarding, yet difficult path to higher consciousness and being. (Devotees will be largely scorned by modern society.)

The author is an exceptional biochemist.

[Pax Analog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read the earlier edition of this text, as I was interested in all game tropes, adding it to Finite and Infinite Games, by James P. Carse, and Gamer Theory, by McKenzie Wark. This text is an excellent reminder of the neglected seniority of the rigor of Consciousness, a la Zen, Gurdjieff, and other sources. Contrasted with other life games, it stands out in bold relief. I was particularly struck by the inadequacy of the Art game divorced from the Master game, and the efficacy of the two in tandem.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strive to play the Master game- and do feel as if this is the path I’ve been on for the last several years.

“The master game is played entirely in the inner world, a vast and complex territory about which men know very little. The aim of the game is true awakening, full development of the powers, latent in man. The games can be played, only by those whose observations of themselves and others have led them to a certain conclusion, namely, that mans ordinary state of consciousness, his so-called waking state, is not the highest level of consciousness, of which he is capable.“

[David Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this book might have started the trend of "self-help" books that include the really useful advice and exercises in appendices. Smarter, Faster, Better does this, as does another book by Duhigg. Why do authors put the really helpful pieces in the area after the main text? It makes no sense.

Still, a very interesting read, and I think very helpful as well, if you read the appendices.

[Tony Buckland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional guide to the young man planning his life. I intend now to refer to the book to determine if the outcomes of my life have gone as planned through this book and other readings by re reading it.

[James Hockings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated now, but the aim is still true.

[Ray Greenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept, well executed. Some ideas a little scary but a lot that rang true also....

[Peter Chivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent primer on personal consciousness, drawn together from a wide range of source experiences, still valid today!

[paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 …. Some very profound ideas in here and some absolute mumbo jumbo. Worth a read if you’re capable of distinguishing between the two.

[Nick Kovronskiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters who push their limits in sports always make for great stories. It’s that feeling of risk, skill, and unpredictability that makes both fiction and real-life sports exciting. I get a similar rush when following live games on PinUp https://charlesnelsonreilly.com/yukle/ every moment feels like a turning point. What’s the most intense sports scene you’ve ever read?

[Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of advice and teachings from various other sources, with the tone of the jaded attitude of mid-20th century counter culture. Relies a lot on Fourth Way and yoga and is anti-Christian and anti-drug.

[Ribena Beetroot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I happened upon randomly in a charity shop that radically changed my perspective with the idea that something like addiction could ultimately come from a a strong and pure desire for connection to something greater. Has some similarities to Games People Play by Eric Berne in terms of exploring the different ways people structure and contain their lives ("games")...worth a re-read methinks.

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.