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At Last, John Cowper Powys From the book of essays, the “Gardens of Spirit?br> By Ratko Adamovic In front of us is another capital literary work - philosophical writings of John Cowper Powys (1872 ?1963) ?“In Spite Of? “A Philosophy of Solitude?and “The Art of Happiness? So far, we must admit, we knew Powys merely by rare reference in works of certain philosophers and scholars. Although late by some thirty-forty years, we are eventually in a situation to get acquainted if not with all of Powys?work (as it consists more than fifty volumes of novels, poetry, essays, philosophical writings and tractates), than at least with three of his latest books - captivating, profound, so necessary and healing, but, unfortunately, many of his ideas already expended and, given the maelstrom of the current moment, a little bit pass? It is difficult to judge to what extent the Hippy Movement was motivated by his books, in particular “In Spite Of?and “A Philosophy of Solitude? and what influence they exerted on the tide of liberation in the West, as Powys (an Englishman) spent thirty years in the States lecturing at less known American universities, colleges and informal groups, where he was disseminating his ideas. However, it is obvious that at the time when his books were published, they caused that vital turn in the human thought and general approach towards life. Nowadays, regretfully, his books present more an important reading on the history of ideas and to a lesser extent a fascinating discovery of lasting consequence on its readers. Undoubtedly, it is not Powys?fault, but is simply a delayed encounter with this extraordinary author and philosopher. Critics and academics of our time often compare Powys with Bela Hamvas. Perhaps because the latter, late discovered author in his books often quotes Powys. Perhaps due to Hamvas?famous list of hundred unavoidable books, just like Powys had done himself. Still, regardless on Powys?extraordinary personality, Hamvas remains unique and incomparable, and in our judgment, of more consequence, more profound and more original. As few only are able to make such an authorative statement: “Goete is a genius, but he is not gifted.?br> Yet, if we were to choose a library without which we would not enter into any further research, then, certainly it would contain Powys?“The Art of Happiness? as the chapters addressed to old age are revealing and indispensable. Furthermore, the most impressive feature of his work is his view on the science, (and, undoubtedly, Powys and Hamvas share the same view). Writing about Hamvas, we quoted one of his ideas as a cornerstone of his philosophy: “Whoever turns on the outside, will be killed by darkness.?We dare single out one of Powys?thoughts as a symbolic projection of his philosophy: that the triumph of the science, like the triumph of the Nazi’s, will mark an era of a totalitarian anthill and that only a long experience of old age on the earth stands between us and a biological catastrophe. In this brief review, there is no space to write about Powys?unique and appealing style, simple communication of ideas, his consistency and every absence of the boring habit of certain lecturers to preach and present themselves as highly scientific by employing complicated and unintelligible analyses. Who and what John Cowper Powys really is, requires and deserves a lengthy record. This text is just a brief, but a strong and loud commendation. And let us conclude this commendation paraphrasing J.C. Powys - that young age is too much preoccupied with love, and middle age with practical things, to note the terrible dehumanization with which the Modern Science, in the hands of fanatical leaders, threatens the humankind. (translated by Mira Orlovic) |