Gurdjieff was born in Armenia, approximately in 1870. His initial education came from a priest, yet he was also schooled scientifically in a milieu that had remained consistent for ages. Despite his inquiries into the nature of existence and purpose, neither religious teachings nor science provided him with satisfactory answers. He believed that the secrets to these questions might be hidden in age-old religious traditions and the mysterious myths and tales passed on by his father, a conventional ‘ashokh’ or bard. Teaming up with passionate individuals with similar quests, he journeyed through Asia and Africa, picking up various languages and practical skills to fund his expeditions.

By 1912, he introduced to Moscow a novel teaching that wasn’t classified as a religion or philosophy but a pragmatic doctrine meant for everyday living. He termed it ‘The Fourth Way’. In this path, one is urged to question everything before accepting it based on personal experiences. The journey doesn’t require one to forsake worldly life. Instead, it’s a pathway through life where gradually, and not abruptly, one questions beliefs, preconceptions, attitudes, and the broader perspective of human existence on Earth.

According to Gurdjieff, “Humans are in a slumber, lacking genuine consciousness or willpower. They aren’t truly free and are often at the mercy of what fate presents. But with a deep transformation, they can achieve consciousness and realize their authentic role in the universe.”

He prompts us to become vigilant, stating, “The potential within humans is immense. The vastness of what one can achieve is beyond ordinary comprehension. However, these feats are unattainable in a dormant state. When a person is asleep, their illusions or ‘dreams’ blend with reality, trapping them in a subjective reality. This confinement prevents them from tapping into their full potential, causing them to only experience a fragment of their true selves.”