The Unspeakable Level

The unspeakable level is Korzybski's term for that swirl of events language cannot fully capture. It is all that 'is.' Our abstractions-names, descriptions, etc.-often hide and

obscure this unspeakable level. In this volume, the author looks at various ways to get behind these abstractions. Korzybski's Razor is one such tool, which knocks many lofty sounding terms off their pedestals. Another chapter explores the nature of polarities, drawing on insights from Meister Eckhart, Pseudo-Dionysius, Carl Jung and many others. Subsequent chapters, through the lens of Korzybski's general semantics, explore various ways of revealing; insights from dreams, Indian sages, Hermes Trismegistus, Christian mystics, Gurdjieff, alchemy, tarot and more. This brisk volume boldly pushes you to explore the boundaries of language, reach that unspeakable level and see the world with fresh eyes.

oreword xi

Preface xii

CHAPTER ONE: Korzybski's Razor 1

CHAPTER TWO: Interlude: Dreams 41

CHAPTER THREE: Polarities 61

CHAPTER FOUR: Who Is This "I"? 87

CHAPTER FIVE: Interlude: Shadows 115

CHAPTER SIX: The World 'Out There' 137

CHAPTER SEVEN: Hermes Trismegistus 163

CHAPTER EIGHT: Reflections: Beyond Polarities, Beyond concepts 179

CHAPTER NINE: Mutus Liber: By Way of a Conclusion and a Way Forward 203

Bibliography 225

Index 231