Occultism and Common-Sense By: Beckles Willson (1869-1942)
Occultism and Common-Sense by Beckles Willson is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration into occult practices and their relationship with practicality and rationality. Willson sets out to demystify occultism, shedding light on its true nature and debunking prevailing misconceptions. With a captivating writing style, the author delves into various topics within the realm of occultism, including divination, astral projection, telepathy, and spiritualism. One of the book's notable strengths is the meticulous research and historical context provided, which lend credibility to the arguments put forth. Willson draws on a wide range of sources, incorporating both ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding to construct a comprehensive narrative. The overarching theme of the book revolves around reconciling occult practices with common-sense reasoning. Willson acknowledges and respects the skepticism that often surrounds the occult, carefully dissecting each concept and providing logical explanations. In doing so, he bridges the gap between occultism and rationality, making a compelling case for their coexistence. Furthermore, Occultism and Common-Sense challenges readers to question their own preconceived notions, urging them to look beyond societal norms and embrace alternative perspectives. Willson encourages open-mindedness and personal exploration, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and empirical evidence when engaging with occult phenomena. Although the book's content may seem esoteric at times, Willson's engaging prose and relatable anecdotes make it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author skillfully guides the reader through complex concepts, ensuring comprehension without compromising the depth and intricacy of the subject matter. Occultism and Common-Sense is a valuable resource for those seeking a rational approach to understanding the occult. It serves as a reminder that the boundaries of knowledge are not fixed, and that exploring the unknown can lead to personal growth and expanded consciousness. Willson's work is not a mere endorsement of occult practices, but rather an invitation to explore an often misunderstood realm through a lens of reason and critical thinking. In summary, Occultism and Common-Sense is an intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking read that challenges conventional beliefs and encourages a broader perspective. Beckles Willson's meticulous research and persuasive arguments make this book an essential addition to any curious mind's library. First Page: OCCULTISM AND COMMON SENSE BY BECKLES WILLSON WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY PROF. W. F. BARRETT, F.R.S. Past President of the Society for Psychical Research LONDON T. WERNER LAURIE CLIFFORD'S INN E.C. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION VII I. SCIENCE'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE "SUPERNATURAL" II. THE HYPNOTIC STATE III. PHANTASMS OF THE LIVING IV. DREAMS V. HALLUCINATIONS VI. PHANTASMS OF THE DEAD VII. ON "HAUNTINGS" AND KINDRED PHENOMENA VIII. THE DOWSING OR DIVINING ROD IX. MEDIUMISTIC PHENOMENA X. MORE PHYSICAL PHENOMENA XI. THE MATERIALISATION OF "GHOSTS" XII. SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY XIII. CLAIRVOYANCE XIV. MRS PIPER'S TRANCE UTTERANCES AFTERWORD NOTE The following chapters, together with Professor Barrett's comment thereupon, which now figures as an Introduction, originally appeared in the columns of The Westminster Gazette . INTRODUCTION By Professor W. F. Barrett, F.R.S. Those of us who took part in the foundation of the Society for Psychical Research were convinced from personal investigation and from the testimony of competent witnesses that, amidst much illusion and deception, there existed an important body of facts, hitherto unrecognised by science, which, if incontestably established, would be of supreme interest and importance... Continue reading book >>

Occultism and Common-Sense By: Beckles Willson (1869-1942)

Occultism and Common-Sense by Beckles Willson is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration into occult practices and their relationship with practicality and rationality. Willson sets out to demystify occultism, shedding light on its true nature and debunking prevailing misconceptions.

With a captivating writing style, the author delves into various topics within the realm of occultism, including divination, astral projection, telepathy, and spiritualism. One of the book's notable strengths is the meticulous research and historical context provided, which lend credibility to the arguments put forth. Willson draws on a wide range of sources, incorporating both ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding to construct a comprehensive narrative.

The overarching theme of the book revolves around reconciling occult practices with common-sense reasoning. Willson acknowledges and respects the skepticism that often surrounds the occult, carefully dissecting each concept and providing logical explanations. In doing so, he bridges the gap between occultism and rationality, making a compelling case for their coexistence.

Furthermore, Occultism and Common-Sense challenges readers to question their own preconceived notions, urging them to look beyond societal norms and embrace alternative perspectives. Willson encourages open-mindedness and personal exploration, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and empirical evidence when engaging with occult phenomena.

Although the book's content may seem esoteric at times, Willson's engaging prose and relatable anecdotes make it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author skillfully guides the reader through complex concepts, ensuring comprehension without compromising the depth and intricacy of the subject matter.

Occultism and Common-Sense is a valuable resource for those seeking a rational approach to understanding the occult. It serves as a reminder that the boundaries of knowledge are not fixed, and that exploring the unknown can lead to personal growth and expanded consciousness. Willson's work is not a mere endorsement of occult practices, but rather an invitation to explore an often misunderstood realm through a lens of reason and critical thinking.

In summary, Occultism and Common-Sense is an intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking read that challenges conventional beliefs and encourages a broader perspective. Beckles Willson's meticulous research and persuasive arguments make this book an essential addition to any curious mind's library.

First Page:

OCCULTISM AND COMMON SENSE

BY BECKLES WILLSON

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY PROF. W. F. BARRETT, F.R.S.

Past President of the Society for Psychical Research

LONDON T. WERNER LAURIE CLIFFORD'S INN E.C.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION VII

I. SCIENCE'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE "SUPERNATURAL"

II. THE HYPNOTIC STATE

III. PHANTASMS OF THE LIVING

IV. DREAMS

V. HALLUCINATIONS

VI. PHANTASMS OF THE DEAD

VII. ON "HAUNTINGS" AND KINDRED PHENOMENA

VIII. THE DOWSING OR DIVINING ROD

IX. MEDIUMISTIC PHENOMENA

X. MORE PHYSICAL PHENOMENA

XI. THE MATERIALISATION OF "GHOSTS"

XII. SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY

XIII. CLAIRVOYANCE

XIV. MRS PIPER'S TRANCE UTTERANCES

AFTERWORD

NOTE

The following chapters, together with Professor Barrett's comment thereupon, which now figures as an Introduction, originally appeared in the columns of The Westminster Gazette .

INTRODUCTION

By Professor W. F. Barrett, F.R.S.

Those of us who took part in the foundation of the Society for Psychical Research were convinced from personal investigation and from the testimony of competent witnesses that, amidst much illusion and deception, there existed an important body of facts, hitherto unrecognised by science, which, if incontestably established, would be of supreme interest and importance... Continue reading book >>

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