Approach - Vol 1 No 08 - 1958 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of APPROACH, Vol. 1, No. 8, dated November 1958, is a monthly review subtitled 'Man in Life and Space'. Published by Sagittarius Publishers in Pretoria, South Africa, it is a non-profit, Peace and Brotherhood Programme publication. The cover headline is 'THE BENEFIT OF CHANGING'. The issue features articles on personal development, UFO phenomena, and a book review.

The Benefit of Changing

This lead article posits that a 'blind struggle against adversity' only ensnares individuals. It emphasizes that humans are never truly isolated, but interconnected parts of a developing mass of living beings. The article argues that while we cannot change the stream of life itself, we can change ourselves by adapting to it. This conscious change, it suggests, leads to a better character, happiness, and inner quietude. It asserts that mastering oneself takes time, but initial successes can be noticed within weeks.

Our Duty to Warn

This section addresses the 'new phase in UFO propaganda' characterized by increased lecturer activity. It names several prominent figures in the UFO field, including George Adamski, Majors Keyhoe and Aho, Reinhold Schmidt, George van Tassel, Jimmy Guieu, Aimé Michel, Karl Veit, W Bühler, and George H Williamson. While assuring support for these lecturers as gentlemen and public speakers, the authors express reservations about those who rely heavily on 'Psychic Messages' for information. They state their conviction that 'wise and advanced beings do not give information by psychic messages' and feel a duty to warn the public about the 'pitfalls of delusion and worse'.

Man in the Street, and UFOs

This extensive article explores the concept of the 'Man in the Street' in relation to UFO phenomena. It begins by discussing the varying degrees of intellectual and spiritual development among individuals, emphasizing that circumstances shape intelligence. The 'Man in the Street' is redefined as the 'Citizen of this Planet', an intelligent individual capable of judgment, regardless of their stage of development. The article notes that UFOs present themselves universally and do not inherently evoke emotional reactions like threat or panic unless man projects such attributes onto them. It highlights that mass sightings, like those in Farmington, USA, Bogota, and India, have involved formations of craft and have not resulted in panic.

The article outlines three stages of adaptation to UFOs:

1. Sober Acknowledgment: The initial reaction, often admitting belief in UFOs or stating 'I saw one myself', where the matter rests.
2. Deeper Investigation: Driven by an urge to 'find out more', individuals may sacrifice time and money to investigate, question people, read books, and form groups. They recognize the political, technical, sociological, and religious implications and insist that facts be made known, countering government secrecy.
3. Ethical and Cosmic Adaptation: This stage involves recognizing universal laws and applying them to one's own actions, leading to self-development and wisdom. The 'Inner Knower' is presented as the guiding factor, revealing cosmic truths. The article suggests that UFOs offer a 'wonderful light' on humanity's cosmic relationship, emphasizing simple truths and virtues over technical achievements or political/religious systems.

It is argued that the appearance of space ships, more than rockets, leads humanity back to its 'True Selves', promoting friendship, beauty, truth, and tolerance, and advocating for a peaceful life free from fear.

A Point, a Theme and my Angle

This section critiques the dismissive attitude of some scientists towards UFO phenomena. It references a UNESCO Science Section director Auger who stated scientists have no time to waste on such phenomena. It also quotes Professor Georges Heuyer suggesting 'collective hallucinations' throughout history. The author counters by pointing to France as a country with numerous UFO witnesses and criticizes the scientific establishment for its skepticism, likening it to historical instances of denial regarding meteorites or fossilized bones.

Space Ship Field News

This report, contributed by Mrs. Louie Wright from Durban, South Africa, details a UFO sighting on the evening of November 2nd. While at Brighton Beach, she witnessed a 'beautiful luminous object' racing from the sea. The object stopped suddenly, receded to a pinpoint, and then returned. It was described as pulsating with 'living light', glowing amber, green, and silver, and appearing about the size of a fist. The report concludes by noting that this sighting occurred in the 19th century, all Paris flocked to watch 'supernatural' phenomena in a churchyard, this 'Ac' sat with closed eyes and ears! When confronted with meteorites it pronounced: nothing can fall from the sky. Upon seeing French prehistory's first find of fos-silized bones, it cried: Man is not VERY much older than Bible says! And so on and on, ad nau-seam. Now once again some bril-liant minds see to it that this hallucinated world have its fun and olala, don't we know how funny one can get in Parí! Yes.

Book Review: Cosmic Language

This section reviews George Adamski's 'Telepathy, The Cosmic or Universal Language, Parts I-III'. The reviewer finds the course 'refreshingly unscientific', preferring its approach to natural truth-seeking over rigid methods. It highlights Adamski's view that problems are not solved by pencil and paper but through understanding a universal language. The review emphasizes that 'truth just is' and that self-development, character, morals, and wisdom are key. It contrasts this with the 'scientific approach' which, it claims, envelops individuals in theories and prejudices. The review notes Adamski's focus on the mind as central to cosmic impressions and his method of divesting the ego-mind of its significance. It concludes that understanding telepathy involves unfolding the self and its relationship with the universe, emphasizing communion and cosmic order over mere communication between minds. The book is published by Sagittarius Publishers and duplicated by Hennie's Secretarial Services (Pty.) Ltd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal transformation, the nature of consciousness, and the implications of UFO phenomena. The magazine advocates for a path of inner development, adaptation, and understanding universal laws as the means to human advancement, rather than solely focusing on external achievements or scientific dogma. There is a clear editorial stance against the uncritical acceptance of information derived from psychic channels, emphasizing a more rational and evidence-based approach to understanding UFOs and cosmic truths. The publication positions itself as a source of 'wise and advanced' information, aiming to guide readers towards a more profound understanding of life and their place in the cosmos.