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George I. Gurdjieff

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Philosopher

The Resume

    (January 13, 1866-October 29, 1949)
    Born in Alexandropol, Armenia
    Philosopher and cult leader
    Of Greek and Armenian descent
    Taught that all people are 'asleep,' that is, not fully aware of reality but can achieve awareness through his Fourth Way
    The first three ways are by improving mind, body, spirit/emotion
    His Fourth Way was allegedly the combination of all three
    Wrote 'The Herald of Coming Good,' the 'All and Everything' trilogy and 'Views from the Real World'
    Created the ennegram

Why he might be annoying:

    Naturally, he taught he was the only one who was truly enlightened/awake.
    His teachings were a mishmash of Sufism, Christianity, Buddhism and Yoga.
    He claimed his teachings originated before recorded time.
    He never explained how he came by his knowledge.
    He incorporated special 'sacred' dances and exercises into his training.
    He seduced many of his female followers and had children by some.
    Aleister Crowley was a fan.
    Time magazine described him as 'remarkable blend of P.T. Barnum, Rasputin, Freud, Groucho Marx and everybody's grandfather.'
    His 'Fourth Way' has never been scientifically shown to be any more effective than any other system of self-improvement.

Why he might not be annoying:

    His teachings/exercises helped with daydreaming and absent-mindedness.
    He wasn't money hungry like many similar cult leaders and was very generous with the poor.
    He was a capable music writer.
    Dozens of books have been written about him and his teachings, including at least five serious biographies and eight books about his music.
    He clearly was a charismatic leader and a capable administrator, and his organization still exists today.
    He was never accused of any type of financial improprieties or violent crimes.
    He had to flee the Russian Revolution or face certain execution at the hands of the communists.

Credit: tom_jeffords


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 11 Votes: 63.64% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 10 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 21 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 6 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 18 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 83 Votes: 61.45% Annoying