George Gurdjieff

Date of Birth: January 13, 1866

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 29, 1949

Biography

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff was an influential philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and composer of Armenian and Greek descent. Born on January 13, 1866, in Alexandropol, Armenia (then part of the Russian Empire), Gurdjieff’s early life was marked by a deep curiosity about the nature of human existence and the mysteries of the universe. This quest led him to travel extensively across Central Asia, Egypt, and the Middle East, where he studied various religious and spiritual traditions. Gurdjieff is best known for developing the Fourth Way, a unique system of self-development that integrates physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the individual. He believed that most people live in a state of “waking sleep” and that true consciousness can only be achieved through rigorous self-awareness and intentional effort. In the early 20th century, Gurdjieff established the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man in France, where he taught his methods to a dedicated group of followers. His teachings were later disseminated through the works of his disciples, most notably P.D. Ouspensky, who wrote extensively about Gurdjieff’s ideas. Gurdjieff passed away on October 29, 1949, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. His legacy continues to influence contemporary spiritual and philosophical thought.

5 Interesting Facts about George Gurdjieff

1. Gurdjieff’s early education included studies in engineering and medicine, but he was more drawn to esoteric and spiritual traditions.

2. He authored several influential books, including “Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson” and “Meetings with Remarkable Men.”

3. Gurdjieff was also a talented composer and incorporated music into his spiritual teachings, believing it could aid in the development of higher states of consciousness.

4. He referred to his teaching method as the “Fourth Way,” which differs from the traditional paths of the fakir, monk, and yogi by integrating all aspects of the human being.

5. Gurdjieff’s teachings have influenced a wide range of thinkers, artists, and writers, including the philosopher J.G. Bennett and the novelist Aldous Huxley.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Gurdjieff

1. “Man’s possibilities are very great. You cannot even conceive a shadow of what man is capable of attaining.”

2. “Remember yourself always and everywhere.”

3. “If you want to lose your faith, make friends with a priest.”

4. “A man will renounce any pleasures you like but he will not give up his suffering.”

5. “Without struggle, no progress and no result. Every breaking of habit produces a change in the machine.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gurdjieff’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his financial status was secondary to his spiritual mission. However, he managed to sustain his institute and his lifestyle through the support of his followers and benefactors.

Children

George Gurdjieff had several children, though details about them are relatively obscure. One of his more well-known children is Dushka Howarth, born to one of his followers, Jessmin Howarth. Dushka later became a proponent of her father’s teachings and worked to preserve his legacy.