We live in an age of speed in which many people have a desire for instant gratification. Contemporary Television producers change scenes ever three to four seconds so that viewers will not lose interest. Fifteen-second television commercial advertisements are common.

In this hurry-up world a book is out-of-date almost by the fact of its being a book. Who, you might ask, has time today to read? Who, indeed? Yet we live in a time when information is more important than ever. How is this information to reach the people who need it?

One popular method is the newsletter. In this format, a trusted source communicates with a select group of disciples easily and quickly, succinctly giving news of late developments and interpretations of importance to the group. Interestingly, the smaller and more concise the newsletter the more it is valued and, usually, the more it costs.

Newsletters, as a rule, make no attempt to convince readers of the contents presented, as only those with similar views subscribe. In this way, a maximum amount of information can be distributed and communicated with a minimum of effort.

O, as George Bernard Shaw said of Beethoven's last string quartets, in which the themes are compact and the development focus, "Why should I have to sit through the more formal exposition of Beethoven's other quartets when I can immerse myself in the pure glories of the later ones?"

The Value of Contrast

Beethoven, in all his musical productions, was noted for following a heroic opus with one in a lighter vein. Of the main examples of this style, perhaps his symphonies are the most obvious; the quiescent fourth, sixth, and eighth follow the towering third, the fifth, and seventh; the eighth, of course, precedes the incomparable ninth.

Beethoven's fourth, sixth, and eighth symphonies certainly are masterpieces in their own right, but instead of the apocalyptic thunder and storm of the odd-numbered symphonies they bring a respite of light and sunny good humor. It is as if this great master were saying, "Take a rest and enjoy the beauty of these pieces while I create another grand piece to shake the musical world."

Surprisingly, many music lovers today find these quieter works of continued enjoyment, and some find that, with their gentle melodious themes, they wear even better than the more heroic compositions.

A Collections of Essays

In somewhat the same manner this book is presented. As the third in the New Renaissance Series, this publication follows two serious volumes. Therefore, a different format may be in order.

This work consists of a collection of essays whose only thread of commonality is the intent to give help and succor in the search for love and wisdom. Each chapter is a separate essay, complete in itself. Many chapters are original; other come from sources as credited. A wide variety of subjects provide the basis for broadening the reader's understanding and experience in material as well as in spiritual activities. As such, this volume is intended to serve not only as a practical guidebook to the way to happiness, but also as a useful outline for the journey through days of trouble or turmoil.

This book is presented in the spirit of a newsletter - succinct and of timely interest - and we envision that you will use it somewhat like a newsletter. When you have a few spare moments, you can read a chapter to give you inspiration and guidance.

We believe you will find that this book grows along with you. It is not a work to be read once and then set aside. To get the best out of it, read it often. You will find that this book speaks to you with a different voice each time you study it. It will help you find new ideas of how to live a vibrant life in the eternal search for love and wisdom.

GERALD E. POESNECKER

The See
Quakertown, Pennsylvania
February 7, 1988