Approach - Vol 2 No 04 - 1959 07

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 4
Date: July, 1959
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers
Country: South Africa
Editor: Edgar Sievers

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review focused on "Man in Life and Space," presents a blend of philosophical and topical articles, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena and the challenges faced by those who investigate them.

Cosmic Shock Therapy

The lead article, "Cosmic Shock Therapy," explores the principle of sudden, amplified bursts of energy or activity that mark significant changes in life, nature, and historical cycles. It draws parallels between natural phenomena like storms and personal experiences such as illness, accidents, or death, all of which can lead to profound shifts in an individual's structure and world. The article posits that even in the "Last Days" of a historical cycle, a "spark, a crash & a thunder" leading to radical change is inevitable. It suggests that man's "higher reason" is key to detaching from earthly intellect and passions, and that "cosmic shock therapy" serves as a cleansing force on a grand scale, preparing individuals to withstand shocks and embrace change.

Laughing Lords not so Funny

This section reports on a dismissive reaction in the British House of Lords to the possibility of sentient life on other worlds. When asked by Lord Fraser of Lonsdale if the government had sought or received advice on this matter, Lord Hailsham replied that it was not part of the UK's space research program, and no advice had been sought or received. The response from the peers was reportedly an "outburst of hilarity," which the author contrasts with the perceived lucidity of Lord Fraser.

Little Understanding in Our Present World!

This section features a letter from George Adamski to his co-workers, reflecting on his recent lecture tour. Adamski expresses gratitude for the kindness shown and believes his work will yield good results over time. He addresses criticism that he has presented a materialistic concept, asserting that the spiritual and material are inseparable. He emphasizes the need to face reality as it is, rather than perpetuating idealized notions of "Holy People" from other worlds. Adamski stresses the importance of a clear concept of life, living it fully as intended by the Creator, and honoring the Creator by honoring His creation. He concludes that much of humanity disregards nature, which is the Creator's handiwork, and that this is a form of hypocrisy. He reiterates that "all is One and there is no Two," and one cannot love half of oneself while hating the other.

Adamski further reflects on his visit to Holland and Zürich, attributing opposition to efforts to maintain the old system. He notes that Queen Juliana's interest in his work was significant, as it was the first time a Queen had asked to be told about such matters, bestowing prestige. He describes encountering a "hornet's nest" in Zürich, which he sees as the headquarters of the opposition, but views the resulting publicity as beneficial.

He recounts the events of his lecture in Zürich, where the press reports were disastrous, indicating a difficult situation. However, an interview with the German magazine "Der Spiegel" was positive, with the magazine publishing a long extract despite previous negative press. The evening lecture in Zürich was disrupted by a carefully orchestrated plan by students, involving clapping, shouting, singing, and eventually a riot with trumpets, tomatoes, and crackers, leading to police intervention.

A film preview in Zürich, attended by the police department, was also disrupted by a thrown beer bottle. The magazine intends to disprove the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung's" assertion that the police functioned well during the event.

Adamski's health suffered considerably, leading to the cancellation of the remainder of his European tour. He felt weak and was advised to rest for two months. Despite the setbacks, he found the experience valuable, learning "WHAT LITTLE UNDERSTANDING THERE IS IN A WORLD OVERFLOWING WITH KNOWLEDGE!" He emphasizes that individuals must fulfill their own duties and cannot rely on others.

Report from Switzerland

This lengthy report by Lou Zinsstag details George Adamski's activities and the challenges he faced in Switzerland. Zinsstag describes Adamski's impact as sweeping over his co-workers, clearing away "foggy phantom of wishful thinking" and revealing the "gangster story of the century" in relation to the "Silence Group." She notes the arrival of a Californian Dr. & astrophysicist in Switzerland the same week as Adamski, suggesting it was part of a larger game.

Adamski's health was not good upon arrival in Basle, but he recovered. Zinsstag arranged a film preview in Zürich, which garnered interest from the police department but was met with poor press coverage. Adamski's lecture in Zürich was met with public approval, but the press reports were negative, signaling trouble.

A subsequent interview with "Der Spiegel" was positive, though some important links were omitted, giving a slight "leg-pulling" slant. The evening lecture in Zürich was significantly disrupted by students, turning into a riot. Zinsstag notes that the police were present but their actions were questionable.

She recounts the disruption of a film showing, where a beer bottle was thrown and the police eventually ended the event. The "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" praised the police, a claim the magazine plans to refute.

Adamski remained calm despite the upheaval, though his voice suffered. Zinsstag speculates that similar disturbances were planned for other European towns. She notes that Adamski's books are not as widely read in Europe as in English-speaking countries, making him vulnerable to misinterpretation and opposition. She also points out that UFO study groups in German-speaking Europe are often permeated with esoteric and occult concepts, which Adamski avoids, preferring to remain productive rather than engage in polemics.

Zinsstag describes a perfect understanding between herself and Adamski, noting his powerful personality. She expresses regret for those who missed hearing him and hopes his health improves so he can continue his lecture tour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights themes of reality versus illusion, the spiritual versus the material, and the opposition faced by those who present unconventional ideas, particularly concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The magazine appears to support George Adamski's work and perspective, presenting him as a figure facing significant resistance from media and established groups. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a clear understanding of reality, embracing change, and questioning societal norms and official narratives, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. There is a clear skepticism towards the dismissive attitudes of authorities and a belief in the importance of individual reason and spiritual understanding.