5' - Life Is Real Only Then, When 'I Am'

This text is a collection of excerpts from G.I. Gurdjieff's unfinished work, "Life Is Real Only Then, When 'I Am'," offering a glimpse into his esoteric teachings. Gurdjieff details his arduous life experiences, including near-fatal injuries and illnesses, arguing these shaped his understanding of human consciousness. He discusses his efforts to develop a system for self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of "self-remembering" and overcoming ingrained habits to achieve a higher state of being. The excerpts also explore his interactions with followers, revealing challenges in transmitting his complex ideas and the diverse reactions they evoked. Finally, the text touches upon Gurdjieff's views on aging and longevity, referencing other theories while presenting his own perspective on the "inner world" of man.