Feet Of Clay: Storr, Anthony: 9780684834955: Amazon.com: Books (original) (raw)
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Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2011
Certainly an interesting book, but as far as Gurdjieff's 'outlandish cosmology,' the good doctor needs a dose of his own medicine and be somewhat less credulous.
Gurdjieff followed the cryptic method of the Pythagoreans that he called "burying the dog," a cloaking device mentioned by Cicero and Iamblichus.
The lesson? Don't blindly believe everything you read.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2012
I learned from this book about so called leaders who have managed to gather followers and how they 'rule' them. It was a very interesting read and it had been mentioned as well as quoted in Under the Banner of Heaven so I wanted to also read it. I recommend it.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2016
It's a good book worth reading, but the topic is rather dark and cynical in nature.
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2020
A fantastic summary of many bogus gurus and leaders on several dimensions. I’d like Dr Storr to have included real ones -Beyond Meera- to contrast them.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
This book is a fantastic psychological study of demagogs thruout history including Jesus Christ. Christ didn’t want to be a demagogue but the book examines why people follow these leaders, often to the detriment of themselves. I’ve read it twice!
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2014
I was interested in the thought processes of the guru mentality allowing them to do the evil they have done in history ti humanity. This is the first book I've read concerning mental processes, and I believe this author has explained the psychology of the guru in terms that are understandable for a laymen.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good study for those looking for a meaningful religion or spiritual guide
Reviewed in Brazil on October 2, 2023
One looking for a spiritual guide should read this book. It is very easy to be hooked by a kind and intelligent person, who seems to have great wisdom, but is in a complicated path. Take care, do not give yourself to any spiritual guide without an extensive evaluation. It is said we should see and feel everything for a couple of years of the master we are seeking to follow.
1.0 out of 5 stars Devuelto
Reviewed in Spain on January 4, 2025
No puedo opinar en cuanto al contenido del libro en sí, ya que al abrirlo para hojearlo muchas de las páginas tenían defectos de impresión, tal y como se ve en las fotografías, que hacían que las letras se vieran dobles o borrosas, lo que hacía increíblemente difícil su lectura, motivo por el cual fue devuelto.
Es una edición barata, comprada porque no he encontrado ninguna otra disponible de mayor calidad, pero que he tenido que devolver porque no merece la pena intentar leerlo en esas condiciones.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Devuelto
Reviewed in Spain on January 4, 2025
No puedo opinar en cuanto al contenido del libro en sí, ya que al abrirlo para hojearlo muchas de las páginas tenían defectos de impresión, tal y como se ve en las fotografías, que hacían que las letras se vieran dobles o borrosas, lo que hacía increíblemente difícil su lectura, motivo por el cual fue devuelto.
Es una edición barata, comprada porque no he encontrado ninguna otra disponible de mayor calidad, pero que he tenido que devolver porque no merece la pena intentar leerlo en esas condiciones.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and increasingly perceptive as the book proceeds
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2017
Excellent and increasingly perceptive as the book proceeds. There are disturbing insights and fair judgements in this book. The dynamics of power are laid bear. If you have been a cult member for any length of time you will recognise how willingly you participated in building up a charismatic leader and therefore how much you cooperated in building your own prison. I found it eye opening. Antony Storr is respectful to the great world religions though to be frank the differences from cults and new religious movements seem small or less.
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Resource on Cults
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2012
If you or anybody you know have been negatively affected by a modern cult such as The Church of Scientology, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, etc, etc then this book will help in understanding it. The book examines cult leaders benevolent and well intentioned or just plain bad. It is a study of the phenomenon of cult leaders and the need to beleve in someone who "knows".
4.0 out of 5 stars Mostly focussed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2018
Some parts ramble a bit too long but other chapters are incisive. There are some good buzz phrases. I enjoyed this book.