Man's Supreme Inheritance: Conscious Guidance and Control in Relation to Human Evolution in Civilization

by F Matthias Alexander, Jean M. O. Fischer (Editor)

Mouritz has published scholarly editions of Alexander's books with the copyright permissions of the Estate of F. M. Alexander since 1995. This is the first book on Alexander's technique. It was first published in 1910 and subsequently revised and enlarged. The present edition consists of Alexander's authorized 1946 edition. This new edition contains two prefaces by Alexander, an introduction by John Dewey, and the section "To My Reader" with appreciations which were included in the 1918 Methuen edition but accidentally left out of later editions. Our ‘supreme inheritance’ is our potential to develop conscious use of ourselves in all activities of living. With reference to and examples from his experience of teaching the ­Technique, ­Alexander argues for the development and evolution of consciousness, in keeping with the increased pace of civilization. He exposes the dangers of the subconscious ­approach in suggested remedies like faith-healing, ‘concentration’ and physical exercises. Though some of the contemporary concerns which he addresses may appear dated, the underlying issues are still the our health and well-being are being undermined by too much tension, unconscious attitudes, and lack of physical and mental coordination. Alexander’s practical technique unifies mind and body in activity, thereby avoiding the unnecessary fatigue and pain which result from the internal strife between the ‘physical’ and the ‘mental’. He shows how his technique transcends the curative, is not merely a treatment, and how, by establishing prevention as a principle of life, a whole new way of living becomes available to us.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2015