“This new edition of Humanity on the Threshold by Bernard Lievegoed is welcome. It offers a profound journey through the inner world of experience and the outer world of action. It is a book of liberation, a path of development, a guide to the mysteries of existence.”
So writes Angus Jenkinson in his introduction to the book, which is available now. Lievegoed’s classic was first published in 1983 (the English translation ‘Man on the Threshold‘ followed in 1985). Much has happened in the years since, but like all the best books about being human, Threshold still has much to teach us.
‘Things ain’t what they used to be and never were.’
Will Rogers
Indeed, Jenkinson points out that the leading edges of science and society in the 21st century only confirm the value of Lievegoed’s observation. These include revisions in the perception of DNA and the Darwinian central dogma, symbiosis, survival experiences after clinical death, identity reordering, the pathologies of the global ecosystem, and so on. Those intrigued by existence are encouraged to study it.
“The threshold refers to the boundaries of ordinary day consciousness. These are expanding. Will Rogers classically remarked, ‘Things ain’t what they used to be and never were.’ Over millennia, human experience of the cosmos changes. But today, it has speeded up. Lievegoed discloses how inner and outer are changing, where the doors of perception, as Blake called them, now live. His theme is how to navigate this.
“What you see, hear, and touch belongs to the outer world. What you think, feel, remember, and desire are inner experiences. What lies beyond these boundaries is the mystery of life. Threshold boundaries are shifting. Some find they can talk to plants. Others sense that they have lived before. Many feel the very seat of experience seems uncertain. Many have mental health difficulties, from relatively ordinary anxiety to hearing voices that instruct them to do awful things. Lievegoed shows how and why humans might find it valuable and maybe necessary to have a prepared mind.
“Those interested in the diverse fields of meditation, mindfulness, nature observation, contemplative practice, self-awareness, self-development, stress management, psychotherapy, self-healing and self-help, sports and performance management, as well as spiritual traditions, are likely to find much to appreciate. So will those who wish to make sense of society. Leaders and change agents in organisation development, a field in which he became prominent will have much to gain.
“For this is a work that is eminently and refreshingly sane, for all that it is an adventure to explore. It is a wise, mature work, informed by deep experience and profound intuitive insights. Lievegoed knew the immense natural potential of everyone. Plainly, he had capacities that can be called clairvoyance, a clear seeing of realities invisible to most. This masterwork can help us to realise our own potential.”
Angus Jenkinson, from the Introduction
Angus Jenkinson is the author of From Stress to Serenity, Gaining Strength in the Trials of Life, (Rudolf Steiner Press, 2003). A retired business professor, he is now working with regenerative agricultures.
Humanity on the Threshold: Spiritual development in turbulent times
Bernard Lievegoed
The theme of this book is inner development. Seeds for growth, hidden within each person, are described along with maps and guidelines for either those on an inner journey or people wishing to work therapeutically with others.
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