These themes were worked out for a specific purpose to suit a specific set of people and circumstances. They are, you could say, practical within their context, and are meant to be worked on-not just read and discussed. They are designed for those who are more interested in learning how to "do" the Gurdjieff work than in talking about ideas, philosophy or theory.

Gurdjieff says, "He who can be can do. He who can do can be." The Buddha is reported to have said similarly, I do not say to you, believe this for so it is told you, but do this and little by little as one climbing a mountain, for yourselves ye shall see and know and understand, needing no guidance from another; no, not from a brother, nor a Brahmin nor another. The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. Look inward and see it and be glade.