Colin Wilson was an English writer and philosopher who gained international recognition for his book "The Outsider" published in 1956. The book explored the concept of the outsider in society, someone who feels alienated and disconnected from the mainstream. Wilson's own personal experiences as an outsider heavily influenced the book. He grew up in a working-class family in Leicester, England, and struggled with feelings of boredom, isolation, and a sense of purposelessness. These experiences shaped his worldview and his subsequent writings. "The Outsider" examined the works of several notable figures, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Franz Kafka, and Albert Camus, who Wilson believed embodied the outsider archetype.
Wilson argues that the intentional nature of human thought proves that there’s a transcendental ego, a self who aims the arrow of perception, emotion and intellect at something – a coherent, sometimes unconscious director behind the camera. To Wilson “the completely passive observer is a fallacy.” This is where he thinks Sartre went wrong philosophically.
Does he give us the roadmaps to his sort of internal assessment of ourselves, and to the concomitant experiential fireworks of extended euphoric, free vision. Two statements, from 1966 and 1988, together give a clear picture of his approach The New Existentialism consists of a phenomenological examination of consciousness Introduction.
"The Outsider" examined the works of several notable figures, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Franz Kafka, and Albert Camus, who Wilson believed embodied the outsider archetype. He argued that society often rejects and marginalizes these individuals because they challenge the status quo and refuse to conform to societal norms. Wilson continued to explore similar themes in many of his other works, including "Religion and the Rebel" and "The Occult.
Colin Wilson's 'Occult Trilogy'
An essential guide to Colin Wilson's major writings on the occult.
" He delved into topics such as spirituality, occultism, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. He believed that individuals had the potential to transcend their limitations and achieve a higher level of consciousness. Despite facing criticism from traditional academic circles, Wilson's writings appealed to a wide audience. He captivated readers with his unique blend of philosophy, psychology, and personal anecdotes. His ideas resonated with individuals who felt like outsiders in their own lives and sought answers to existential questions. Wilson's work was not limited to the written word, as he also appeared on television and radio programs, discussing his ideas and engaging with listeners. He remained a prolific writer throughout his career, publishing over 100 books on various topics. Colin Wilson's impact on the literary world cannot be understated. He sparked a renewed interest in existentialism and the study of the human condition. His writings continue to inspire and challenge readers to examine the world from different perspectives and embrace their own outsider tendencies..
Reviews for "Colin Wilson's Impact on the Mindfulness Movement"
- Sarah - 2/5 - I did not enjoy "The Occult Colin Wilson" at all. I found the writing to be incredibly dense and difficult to follow. The author jumped from topic to topic without providing any clear explanations or connections. It felt like reading a jumbled mess of random information. Additionally, I didn't appreciate the author's dismissive and condescending tone towards certain beliefs and practices. Overall, I found the book to be confusing and disappointing.
- John - 1/5 - "The Occult Colin Wilson" was a complete waste of time. The author seemed more interested in impressing the reader with his knowledge rather than providing any meaningful insights into the occult. The book lacked any coherent structure and felt like a rambling stream of consciousness. Wilson's constant tangents and digressions made it impossible to grasp the main ideas he was trying to convey. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the occult.
- Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Occult Colin Wilson" but was ultimately let down. The author's writing style was overly academic and pretentious, making it inaccessible to someone like myself who doesn't have a background in the subject matter. Wilson also relied heavily on name-dropping and referencing obscure texts, further alienating the casual reader. The book felt convoluted and lacked a clear direction. I had hoped to learn more about the occult, but instead, I was left feeling confused and frustrated.
- Mark - 3/5 - While I didn't hate "The Occult Colin Wilson", I also didn't find it particularly enjoyable. The author's writing style felt dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged with the book. Wilson seemed more interested in proving his own theories and opinions rather than presenting a balanced view of the occult. The lack of diversity in perspectives made the book feel one-sided and biased. Overall, I was disappointed with "The Occult Colin Wilson" and wouldn't recommend it to others.