Synthesized answer
Adolphe d'Assier's "Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms" appears to be a philosophical essay that explores the concept of the "posthumous being" or "phantasmal double" [3]. The work examines the characteristics of this posthumous entity, including its physical constitution, mode of locomotion, aversion to light, clothing, manifestations, and reservoir of living force [3]. It also investigates the phenomena of duplication and the continuation of an inner personality beyond the tomb [3].
The author's philosophical leanings are presented as initially aligning with positivism, specifically Auguste Comte's "Course of Positive Philosophy," although d'Assier notes that he rejected certain passages within Comte's work [2]. Despite this positivist foundation, the essay delves into what can be described as psychic phenomena and the "shadow-world," suggesting an exploration beyond purely empirical observations [3, 5]. The translator, Henry Steel Olcott, describes the work as an "ingenious essay" that proposes a "reasonable theory to account scientifically for many of the more striking phenomena of psychic action" [5]. The passages also mention a connection to popular beliefs in India…
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
--- Text --- ← Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Introduction → related portals : Theosophy Translation of Essai sur l'humanité posthume et le spiritisme par un positiviste (1883) with Theosophical commentary and an original appendix. Adolphe d'Assier 4730212 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 POSTHUMOUS HUMANITY: A Study of Phantoms. by ADOLPHE D'ASSIER , Member of the Bordeaux Academy of Sciences. Translated and Annotated by HENRY S. OLCOTT , President of the Theosophical…
← Frontmatter Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Author's Introduction and Plan Authorization → Adolphe d'Assier 4730214 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Author's Introduction and Plan 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION AND PLAN. The title of this essay will, perhaps, seem to certain persons in conflict with the philosophical opinions which I have all my life professed, as well as with the great school towards which the study of the sciences had led me even before I had heard the word of the…
← Chapter III Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Chapter IV Chapter V → Adolphe d'Assier 4731767 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Chapter IV 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 CHAPTER IV. Character of the posthumous being.—Its physical constitution.—Its mode of locomotion.—Its aversion to light.—Its clothing.—Its manifestations.—Its reservoir of living force.—Its ballistic.—Every man has a phantasmal double.—The seeress of Prevorst. Let us return to the posthumous man. Being the continuation beyond the tomb of the…
← Translator's Preface Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Chapter I Chapter II → Adolphe d'Assier 4730408 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Chapter I 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 CHAPTER I. Facts establishing the existence of the posthumous personality in man. It's various modes of manifestation. Let us open this chapter with the posthumous history of the Abbé Peytou, one of the most curious that could be cited, as well from the long duration of the manifestations as the variety of their forms; of which…
← Authorization Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Translator's Preface Chapter I → Adolphe d'Assier 4730220 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Translator's Preface 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. The present work is one of the most ingenious essays extant upon the solemn theme of the future life. By the quality of mind which Prof. Tyndall calls an "educated imagination," the author propounds a reasonable theory to account scientifically for many of the more striking phenomena of psychic…
More questions about this book
- Explain Robert Greene's central argument for why understanding human nature is "the most important tool we can possess," detailing the specific methods he proposes for achieving this mastery.
- The excerpt presents two distinct approaches to "humanity." How might a student reconcile or explain the relationship between Greene's pragmatic focus on living social dynamics and d'Assier's exploration of "posthumous humanity" and "phantoms"?
- Greene suggests tactics like detaching from emotions, mastering self-control, and developing empathy. Choose one of these and explain, as if to a complete novice, how it practically contributes to "looking behind people's masks" or "understanding people's drives and motivations."
- If Greene's book aims for "success, self-improvement, and self-defense" in the present world, how might an understanding of "phantoms" or "posthumous humanity" (as suggested by d'Assier) either extend or diverge from these immediate, practical goals for human flourishing?