The Magus

This book is amazing! The Author, John Fowles, basically wants us to realise how easily human beings get manipulated through creating the illusion that if you follow what has been suggested you will obtain what you aspire to. 

Reality is reality, it is not fluid. But we know by now that changing our point of observation it can present itself in quite different ways. And they are all realities of the same reality. 

It comes to my mind a famous Hindu parable that illustrates how different perspectives can lead to different understandings of the same thing. 

There are a group of blind men in front of an elephant, that obviously they can't see. They are invited to touch it and say what it is. 

Each blind man touches a different part of the elephant (its side, trunk, tusk, leg, ear, or tail) and forms a conclusion based on that limited experience. They state that the elephant is like a barrel, snake, spear, tree, fan, or rope, respectively, without ever fully understanding the whole animal.  

But not only our own point of view plays a big role in not grasping reality.

Very astute manipulators are able to present reality in such a distorted way that, even if reality remains what it is and doesn't change, through a clever way to bend its appearance, they offer it in such a manner that catch the favour of the listeners/viewers.

And unfortunately the dullness of mind belongs to the majority. We have seen so many shocking examples by now of the majority believing in such distorted statements, which were totally and evidently impossible, but the dull minded majority chose to believe them. And the results were/are really nasty!

In the book, the Author presents appearances, that although appealing, they may be questionable, and they should be reviewed with care, detachment, objectivity. John Fowles, the Author, through his book states that reality is often a construct shaped by very personal perception, belief, interpretation and desire. People tend to believe that their deepest wishes may simply turn into reality choosing the instant "magic wand" they are being offered. Easy peasy! 

He highlights how individuals create and live within their own illusions, suggesting that understanding the nature of these illusions leads to widen one's perspective and awareness and personal growth.

The freedom of choice we have should always be the result of self-examination and moral testing. Very important is to switch on a kind of remote viewing to confront the possible consequences of one's decisions. 

On the other hand, it is unquestionable that often there are limits in our autonomy: external forces and internal fears influence human behaviour. In the book it is emphasised the importance of embracing uncertainty and accepting responsibility for one’s choices, even if we were fooled. Because through all these experiences we may learn and grow. 

And, this is my personal affirmation: we are here on Earth to learn and grow. We should take every opportunity to evolve. The worse experiences are usually the most intense teachings we get.

And somehow we should be grateful for them!