Anthony Storr: Feet of Clay. A Study of Gurus, HarperCollins 1997 (new printings)

An enlightening book for someone like myself who enjoys being impressed, even mesmerized by charisma and personal power. This well argued, balanced study brings out the dark side of guru-hood strongly along with the positive aspects as it goes through different gurus like Gurdjieff, Steiner, Jung, Ignatius and Jesus.

Although it is not the main focus, I am particularly struck by the way Storr analyses power and its temptations for someone who is exceptionally impressive and verbally convincing. Storr's analysis of monster-gurus like Jim Jones and Rajneesh affected me deeply.

"Gurus often get pleasure from this exercise of power, and some carry it to the point of making their followers perform meaningless and unnecessary tasks, ostensibly as spiritual exercises, but in fact as a proof of the guru's power over them." (xvi)

Yet gurus come in forms various as different as any type of people. "Steiner is an example of a guru who was much beloved for his warmth, sensitivity, kindness, and generosity." "Steiner's effect upon people depended in part upon his capacity to devote himself entirely to understanding the other person without at first obtruding himself or his opinions. He manifested an attitude of acceptance and respect for each individual..." "He certainly had charisma, for his listeners are reported as feeling that they were at some form of divine service rather than at a conventional lecture ... But his charisma did not depend upon devices of oratory or forceful harangues. It sprang from his own faith, his honesty, and his capacity to sense the mood of the audience and relate to it." (p. 68-9)