Jacob Needleman (b. October 6, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American philosopher. He is professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University.[1][2]
He has published many books, most of which draw from G. I. Gurdjieff.
Contents |
Needleman speaks of a mountain that is very high, and being at the top of the mountain is being with God. The base of this mountain is so broad that it extends out to several different climate zones. People in the arctic climate have a tradition about how to climb the mountain, wearing a parka with snowshoes and goggles, etc. The people in the tropical zone teach how it is necessary to wear short pants and a pith helmet with mosquito netting. The people in the arctic, by the time they get halfway up the mountain find that it is warmer than they had thought, so they shed some of their outerwear. The people from the tropics find the need to go back to get a sweater. By the time they get to the top, they're all dressed in a similar way because there is only one top.
The problem Needleman cautions about is when people walk around the base of the mountain arguing with each other about the proper way to dress for the journey.
Needleman was honored by the New York Open Center in New York City in 2006.