LDLN - No 040

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), Volume 4, Issue 40, dated October 1961, is a monthly review dedicated to truth-seekers worldwide. It aims to illuminate humanity's path with discoveries and to highlight valuable truths. The magazine is published by R. VEILLITH and is priced at 0.75 N.F.

Articles and Content

LE COTÉ NÉGATIF D'UNE BONNE CHOSE (The Negative Side of a Good Thing)

This editorial addresses readers' interpretations of a previous article on the future of humanity. It clarifies that prophecies are conditional and serve as warnings to alter negative paths, rather than predetermined fates. The author emphasizes that understanding prophecies should not lead to fatalism or intellectual curiosity alone, but should reinforce the pursuit of truth and a non-conformist attitude. It highlights that life's aspects are interconnected and that prophecies offer wisdom and clarity to act in accordance with the Laws of Life. The article uses examples like the inhabitants of Nineveh and Noah's contemporaries to illustrate how repentance can avert judgment, and Sodom's fate to show the consequence of lacking sufficient righteous individuals. It concludes by stating that all discoveries have positive and negative aspects, urging readers to remain objective and act positively.

NOTRE CIVILISATION EST-ELLE VIABLE ? (Is Our Civilization Viable?)

By Yves DUPONT-FOURNIEUX

This multi-part article examines the state of modern civilization through historical, spiritual, and cultural lenses.

1. OBSERVATION DU PASSE (Observation of the Past)

Dupont-Fournieux draws parallels between contemporary civilization and the decline phases of past civilizations (Egyptian, Classical, Chinese, etc.) as described by Oswald Spengler. He analyzes political, spiritual, and cultural cycles, noting that our era is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mass society, and democracy, which historically mark civilizational decline. He also points to the accelerating pace of scientific and technological progress as an indicator of approaching a critical point.

2. OBSERVATION DU PRESENT (Observation of the Present)

The author argues that current civilization shows signs of degeneration. He critiques demographic growth as unsustainable, leading to potential famine and conflict. He also points to the decline of the white race due to low birth rates and the paradox of medical advancements saving weaker individuals, leading to a weakening of the gene pool. He cites rising mental illness rates and the unfitness of military recruits as evidence of physiological decline. The article blames modern life's pace, urban stress, noise, and alcohol consumption for this degeneration. It also criticizes industrial practices that prioritize profit over human well-being and the production of non-essential goods.

3. LES CYCLES ET LA SUCCESSION DES CIVILISATIONS (Cycles and the Succession of Civilizations)

By Yves DUPONT-FOURNIEUX

This section posits that civilizations, like individuals, are born, grow, and disappear, often through catastrophe. It argues that our civilization is also destined to disappear, citing historical patterns and the inherent optimism of those who ignore these trends. The author emphasizes the existence of natural cycles (daily, yearly, precessional) and their influence on human history and cataclysms. He references Georges Beau's theory of galactic seasons and Censorinus' account of Aristocrates' belief in a great sidereal year culminating in a deluge or conflagration. He connects the biblical Flood to geological evidence found at Ur and suggests that a 'deluge of fire' might occur around the year 2000, aligning with other prophecies. The article notes that various global traditions (Hindu, Persian, Chinese, Inca, Polynesian) speak of cycles of development and near-annihilation. It also touches upon legends of lost continents like Mu and archaeological findings in the Indus Valley suggesting a highly standardized, non-monarchical civilization.

LA RAISON DE VIVRE (The Reason for Living)

By Henri-Charles GEFFROY

This article addresses the suffering experienced by sensitive individuals in a materialistic world driven by greed and egoism. Geffroy suggests that suffering, when understood, can elevate the spirit. He posits that the fundamental law of nature is Love, which man has perverted, leading to chaos. He argues that the fulfillment of the Law of Love is the 'Don de Soi' (Self-Giving). The author criticizes the modern pursuit of wealth and excessive pleasures, which ultimately lead to unhappiness and a loss of the 'reason for living'. He contrasts this with the transformative power of Love, which brings inner richness and harmony with nature. The article quotes Swami Paramananda on suffering and the Bible (Luke VI, 38) on giving.

" MORDICUS !... " (Reply to an Offended Reader and Considerations on the NON-GRATUITY of all Forces)

By René PRADEL

Pradel responds to a reader who criticized his stance against 'official versions' regarding Sputniks and the 'perpetuity of forces'. He defends the role of independent reviews in questioning unsubstantiated claims, particularly in science. Pradel challenges the notion that balanced forces, like attraction and revolution, do not expend energy. He argues that the 'official version' of physics, particularly 'Classical Mechanics', is limited and fails to account for energy expenditure in phenomena like the sustained flight of a helicopter or the gravitational pull on a satellite. He contends that energy is always lost in transfers and that even celestial bodies are not exempt from this principle, suggesting that satellites will eventually fall due to energy loss.

LE VOLCANISME SOUS-MARIN ET LES TREMBLEMENTS DE TERRE (Underwater Volcanism and Earthquakes)

By Joseph ANDRÉ

André links recent earthquakes to underwater volcanic activity, suggesting a chain reaction affecting the entire globe. He posits that terrestrial and liquid elements are interconnected, with underwater volcanic movements influencing landmasses and vice versa. He cites the Agadir earthquake as an example, caused by underwater volcanic phenomena and mud currents. The article discusses 'turbidity currents' and their role in seismic events, referencing examples in the Mediterranean and Algeria. André also introduces the concept of 'cosmo-telluric phenomena', suggesting that cosmic-magnetic influences in the upper atmosphere can trigger terrestrial and marine catastrophes by perturbing the Earth's magnetic field.

Réflexions sur l'UNIVERS MYSTÉRIEUX (Reflections on the Mysterious Universe)

By P. SALMON

Salmon reflects on the evolving nature of astronomy, noting that its conclusions are often based on hypotheses that can be easily challenged by new observations. He discusses the controversy surrounding Venus's rotation period, questioning the earlier assumption of a fixed face due to its thick atmosphere and the presence of water and carbon dioxide. He suggests that the planet's rotation is very slow, leading to extreme temperature differences between its sides. Salmon also touches upon the idea of satellites falling back to their planets, referencing Phobos and the Moon's gradual drift away from Earth. He speculates that past geological periods might have seen satellites fall to Earth, contributing to continental drift and the separation of species.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a non-conformist, critical approach to established scientific and societal norms. It emphasizes the importance of spirituality, objective truth-seeking, and understanding natural laws. There's a recurring theme of cyclical patterns in history and nature, with a focus on potential future challenges and the need for humanity to adapt and evolve. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning mainstream narratives and encouraging readers to think independently, drawing upon a blend of scientific inquiry, historical analysis, and spiritual insights. The publication also highlights the interconnectedness of phenomena, from cosmic influences on Earth to the impact of individual actions on civilization.