What is G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep by Colin Wilson about?

G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep by Colin Wilson explores the philosophy of mystic G.I. Gurdjieff, who believed humans live in a state of unconscious "sleep," operating mechanically through habits rather than true awareness. Wilson examines Gurdjieff's teaching that we possess far greater powers than we realize, limited only by habitual laziness that has become an automatic mechanism. The book presents Gurdjieff's methods for awakening consciousness through intentional effort and self-observation.

Who was Colin Wilson and why did he write about Gurdjieff?

Colin Wilson was an English existentialist philosopher and author who became famous at age 24 with his bestselling book The Outsider in 1956. Wilson focused on positive human psychology, peak experiences, and expanded consciousness throughout his career. He wrote G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep in 1980 because he shared Gurdjieff's belief that everyday consciousness is "blinkered" and that humans need to access deeper states of awareness. Wilson saw Gurdjieff's philosophy as complementing his own work on human potential.

Is G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep worth reading?

G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep by Colin Wilson is worth reading if you're interested in practical philosophy about overcoming mental autopilot and accessing hidden potential. The book is praised as "the most important and accessible account for the general reader of Gurdjieff's life and work". Wilson's competent writing makes complex mystical concepts understandable. However, readers should note that Gurdjieff's methods involving extreme physical effort have been criticized and may not suit everyone's approach to personal development.

Who should read G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep by Colin Wilson?

G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep is ideal for readers interested in self-transformation, consciousness studies, and overcoming limiting beliefs about human capacity. Endurance athletes, high performers, and anyone feeling stuck in mechanical routines will find Gurdjieff's concept of the "40% rule" particularly relevant. The book also appeals to students of mysticism, existential philosophy, and those exploring peak experiences. Anyone questioning whether they're living at full capacity should consider Colin Wilson's accessible introduction to Gurdjieff's revolutionary ideas.

What is the main concept of "sleep" in G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep?

In G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep, "sleep" refers to the unconscious, mechanical state in which most humans operate daily. Gurdjieff taught that people sleepwalk through life, reacting automatically to stimuli rather than making conscious choices. This sleep manifests as habitual laziness and comfort-seeking that prevents access to deeper powers. Colin Wilson explains that we "live subject to arrest by degrees of fatigue which we have come only from habit to obey", meaning our perceived limitations are self-imposed mechanisms rather than actual boundaries.

What is Gurdjieff's principle of "super-effort" explained in Colin Wilson's book?

Gurdjieff's principle of "super-effort" described in Colin Wilson's book involves pushing beyond perceived physical and mental limits through intense, sustained effort. Gurdjieff believed that "through intense efforts a certain form of energy is created—the energy man needs for transformation". This concept relates to the "40% rule"—when you feel completely exhausted, you've actually only reached 40% of your total capacity. Wilson compares this to commando training, where individuals discover hidden reserves by refusing to accept habitual stopping points. Crisis and urgency naturally summon these deeper powers.

How does Colin Wilson interpret human potential in G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep?

Colin Wilson interprets human potential in G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep using the metaphor of a massive jet airplane trying to fly on just one engine. Wilson argues that humans possess power and strength that remain invisible and unused. He emphasizes that "our apparent limitations are due to a peculiar form of laziness that has become so habitual that it has developed into a mechanism". Wilson suggests that comfort and security are "far more dangerous than uncertainty" because they prevent us from accessing our full capabilities.

What is the 40% rule in G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep?

The 40% rule discussed in G.I. Gurdjieff: The War Against Sleep states that when you hit "the wall" and feel completely exhausted, you've only reached 40% of your total capacity. This concept, shared by endurance athlete David Goggins and supported by Gurdjieff's philosophy, reveals that approximately 60% of your power remains untapped. Wilson explains this as evidence that we "possess greater powers than we realize". The rule demonstrates how habitual mechanisms cause us to stop far before our actual limits, supporting Gurdjieff's teaching about awakening from mechanical sleep.

G.I. Gurdjieff Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

G.I. Gurdjieff

Colin Wilson

Biography

Spirituality

Philosophy

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Colin Wilson's brilliant exploration of Gurdjieff reveals humanity's mechanical unconsciousness - we're "grandfather clocks driven by watch-springs." This enduring philosophical gem challenges readers to wage their own war against sleep and discover authentic consciousness beyond our automated existence.

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G.I. Gurdjieff isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Biography. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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G.I. Gurdjieff

Colin Wilson

Biography

Spirituality

Philosophy

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary9min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card10 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun23min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

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The Man Who Claimed We're All Asleep

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Imagine meeting someone whose piercing gaze seems to see right through you-a man who can transmit healing energy with a touch, who insists that despite your certainty of being awake, you're actually sleepwalking through life. This was Georges Ivanovich Gurdjieff, one of the 20th century's most enigmatic spiritual teachers. Though relatively unknown to the general public, his influence spans architecture, music, literature, and film-touching figures from Frank Lloyd Wright to Aldous Huxley. Gurdjieff's fundamental question haunts us still: Are we truly conscious, or merely dreaming that we are? What made Gurdjieff different from other spiritual teachers was his insistence that human potential remains largely untapped. While ordinary psychology studies humans as they exist, Gurdjieff focused on "man's possible evolution." Like William James observed, most people "live far within their limits," using only a fraction of their capabilities-not because of inherent limitations, but because of mechanized laziness that becomes habitual.

The Seeker's Extraordinary Journey

We Are Not Who We Think We Are

Essence and Personality: The Split Self

The School of Intentional Suffering

The Sacred Movements: Dancing to Awaken

The Dilemma of Awakening

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

G.I. Gurdjieff Summary in 9 Minutes

Break down key ideas from G.I. Gurdjieff into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 10 Insights from G.I. Gurdjieff in a Nutshell

Distill G.I. Gurdjieff into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

G.I. Gurdjieff Lessons Told Through 23-Min Stories

Experience G.I. Gurdjieff through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

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Experience G.I. Gurdjieff in your own way.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

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Key Takeaways

The Man Who Claimed We're All Asleep

The Seeker's Extraordinary Journey

We Are Not Who We Think We Are

Essence and Personality: The Split Self

The School of Intentional Suffering

The Sacred Movements: Dancing to Awaken

The Dilemma of Awakening

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to G.I. Gurdjieff Summary in 9 Minutes

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More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Man Who Claimed We're All Asleep

The Seeker's Extraordinary Journey

We Are Not Who We Think We Are

Essence and Personality: The Split Self

The School of Intentional Suffering

The Sacred Movements: Dancing to Awaken

The Dilemma of Awakening