Synthesized answer
The provided passages do not directly address or reconcile a pragmatic focus on living social dynamics (Greene's approach) with d'Assier's exploration of "posthumous humanity" and "phantoms." Therefore, a direct explanation of the relationship between these two distinct approaches, as posed by the question, cannot be formed using only the given text.
However, the passages do elaborate on d'Assier's concept of "posthumous humanity" and "phantoms." D'Assier posits the existence of a "posthumous personality" which is a continuation of the "living personality," possessing its form, habits, and prejudices [2]. This "posthumous being" is described as the continuation beyond the tomb of the inner personality that manifests in the phenomenon of duplication, with the living phantom and the post-sepulchral phantom sharing a common origin [5]. The study of one completes the study of the other, exploring their preoccupations, reminiscences, and how they prolong their existence [3, 5]. D'Assier also discusses the "shadow-world" and acknowledges that many questions about these phenomena will remain unanswered [5].
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
← 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 I Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Chapter II Chapter III → Adolphe d'Assier 4731042 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Chapter II 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 CHAPTER II. Facts establishing the existence of a second personality in the living man. Its various modes of manifestation. The existence of the posthumous personality being demonstrated by some thousands of facts, observed in all ages and among all peoples, it remains to seek out its nature and origin. Evidently it proceeds from the…
← Chapter XI Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms ( 1887 ) by Adolphe d'Assier , translated by Henry Steel Olcott Chapter XII Appendix → Adolphe d'Assier 4731353 Posthumous Humanity: A Study of Phantoms — Chapter XII 1887 Henry Steel Olcott Layout 2 CHAPTER XII. A glance at the fauna of the shades.—Their preoccupations.—Their reminiscences.—How they prolong their existance.—The posthumous vampire. From all that I have said in the preceding chapters, as well about the living phantom as about the posthumous phantom, the conclusion is warranted that these two personages have a common…
← 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…
← 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…
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.
- Based solely on the provided information, how would you describe the apparent subject matter and philosophical leanings of Adolphe d'Assier's "Posthumous Humanity: A Study of 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?