Seklet - 1967 Vol 14 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEKLET, dated 1967, is a Swedish publication focusing on critical analyses of modern society, culture, and health, often from a spiritual or alternative perspective. The central theme of this issue, highlighted on the cover, is 'Bondedöd - folknöd' (Farmer's death - people's famine), suggesting a deep concern for the decline of traditional farming life and its impact on the population.

Main Articles and Themes

"Bondedöd - folknöd" (Farmer's death - people's famine)

This lead article argues that the traditional way of life of the free farmer, deeply connected to the land, animals, seasons, and generations of accumulated wisdom, is being systematically destroyed. The author criticizes the modern agricultural system, which reduces farming to mere 'food industry' and 'livestock factories,' driven by mechanization and rationalization akin to industrial practices. The article laments the closure of small farms, citing a Lantbruksstyrelsen (Swedish Board of Agriculture) report suggesting 60% of Swedish farmland is uneconomical and should be abandoned. The author quotes the Minister of Agriculture expressing a preference for investing in pig factories over small farmers. This shift is seen as a move towards increased wealth and happiness through cheaper imports, disregarding the global hunger crisis. The article attributes this 'headless propaganda' to a lack of 'sound farmer's sense' and a general 'dumbing down' of society. It posits that the destruction of the natural environment and the farmer's way of life leads to degeneration, physical and mental illness, and societal chaos. The article warns against the 'civilization diseases' like rheumatism, heart conditions, cancer, and mental disorders, which are increasingly prevalent and debilitating, especially in urban areas. It criticizes the continued urbanization, the closure of rural services, and the imposition of a 'city mentality' through media, leading to a 'contoured, nihilistic collective human' devoid of soul, a precursor to a totalitarian state.

The author quotes from 'Djävulsdansen' (The Devil's Dance) to describe the modern human's self-delusion and detachment from reality. The article contrasts true culture with technical civilization, stating that the latter leads to cultural destruction. It emphasizes that a healthy societal development must respect the laws of life and provide opportunities for a natural, healthy existence, which is best found in rural life and work with the land. Therefore, the flight from the countryside must be stopped, and farming culture must be saved.

"Väsentliga värden i livet" (Essential values in life) by Frithjof Hallman

This article explores the concept of essential values in life, arguing that an individual's perception of these values is shaped by their environment (upbringing, home, city/country life) and heredity. It distinguishes between 'materialists,' who value possessions, and 'idealists,' who value ideas. The author notes that idealists are often more willing to help others and have historically contributed moral and ethical ideas through figures like Jesus, Buddha, and philosophers. The article discusses the philosophical divide between materialism (represented by Aristotle, Descartes, Marx) and idealism (represented by Plato, Kant, Goethe), which it likens to the 'iron curtain' dividing nations. It highlights the importance of human freedom in the Western world versus the emphasis on socialism in the Eastern bloc. The article also touches upon Carl Gustav Jung's concepts of extroverted and introverted types, suggesting a balance between the two is ideal, exemplified by Albert Schweitzer. The author emphasizes that while individual enjoyment is important, altruism and caring for one's neighbor are higher values from a humanistic perspective, referencing Jesus's teachings on loving one's neighbor. It criticizes the modern tendency towards atheism and nihilism, and the political subjugation of thought in Eastern bloc countries, as well as the pursuit of wealth in the West. The article concludes that a bridge of love and respect, not weapons, is needed to overcome divisions, and that a high ideal, revering beauty and the divine, is the most essential value.

"Att 'tala rent'" (To 'speak clearly') by A. T. Gellerstedt

This piece, written by an architect, painter, and poet, focuses on the importance of clear articulation, particularly of vowels, as a reflection of clear thinking. The author suggests that unclear speech may indicate unclear thought processes. He explores the influence of dialects and mass media on language and thinking, questioning whether the 'söderslangen' (a Stockholm dialect) is spreading and if schools are adequately addressing clear pronunciation. The article touches upon the idea that language, like culture, can degenerate with civilization, with finer aspects being lost.

"Tal till Sveriges ungdom" (Speech to Sweden's youth) by V. Vallberg

This speech uses the Latin phrase "Non scholae sed Vitae discimus" (We learn not for school but for life) as its starting point. The author, Viktor Vallberg, emphasizes that what is learned in school must be applied to life. He uses the biblical principle "To him who has, more will be given, but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away" to illustrate how neglecting learned knowledge leads to its loss, while continuous learning brings more. He applies this principle to nations that neglect their heritage, culture, and resources, predicting their decline. An example is given of a son who sells his inherited property and squanders the proceeds. The article concludes by stressing the importance of learning both natural and spiritual laws, and applying them to life.

"Sanningens vägar: 2" (Paths of Truth: 2) by Viktor Vallberg

This is the second part of an article by Viktor Vallberg, likely continuing his exploration of religious and historical texts. This section focuses on the New Testament and the figure of Jesus. It references Albert Schweitzer's extensive research on Jesus, concluding that there is substantial historical evidence for Jesus's existence. The author discusses the translation of the New Testament, questioning the motives of those who challenge established translations. He addresses common criticisms of the Apostle Paul, including his alleged inclusion of the Old Testament in the New, his rejection of 'works' as a means of salvation, and accusations of him being an epileptic or woman-hater. Vallberg defends Paul, suggesting that his interpretations of the Old Testament were symbolic and that his emphasis on faith over 'works' was a distinction between self-righteousness and divine grace, aligning with Jesus's teachings. He dismisses certain biblical passages as later insertions by Pharisees. The article also touches upon the use of the pendulum in research, suggesting it can reveal truths about human nature and the New Testament itself.

"Spökerierna i Trondheims domkyrka" (The Hauntings in Trondheim Cathedral)

This article recounts a reported paranormal event in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway. A teacher and students claim to have heard ghostly footsteps and 13th-century choral music. The article details an account from 1924 by Fru Marie Gleditsch, who witnessed a spectral monk with a visible wound on its neck. The monk's appearance coincided with the disruption of a church service. The article notes that other people have also reported sightings of this 'evil monk,' and that historical records indicate a cruel abbot named Laurentius lived in the monastery that once occupied the site.

"Homeopatien" (Homeopathy)

This section discusses homeopathic treatments for heart conditions. It contrasts homeopathic remedies with 'allopathic' (conventional) medicine, suggesting the former are often more beneficial. The article mentions Digitalis for organic heart defects, noting it regulates but does not cure, leading to dependence. It also highlights Cactus grand. D6 as a primary remedy for heart dilation and Crataegus D6 for rapid, nervous pulse. Other remedies like Lachesis, Cuprum, and Nux vom. are mentioned for cramps. Phosphor is suggested for nervous heart palpitations. The article emphasizes the importance of rest and a calm state of mind for heart conditions.

"Mirakeldoktorn Messegue" (Miracle Doctor Mességué)

This article profiles Maurice Mességué, a French natural healer who gained fame for treating various ailments with herbal remedies. Starting in 1948, Mességué became a millionaire, with clinics in France and abroad. He claims to have treated over 150,000 people, including notable figures like President Bourgiba, ex-King Farouk, Winston Churchill, and Pope John XXIII. Mességué attributes modern diseases to the 'poisons' of modern civilization and advocates for a natural lifestyle, avoiding processed foods like white bread and refined sugar, and living close to nature. He specializes in liver diseases and emphasizes liberation from chemicals. The article notes that Mességué faces criticism from the medical establishment for practicing without a license but defends his success rate. It lists other prominent natural healers worldwide.

"Hört, sett och tänkt från Utsiktstornet" (Heard, Seen, and Thought from the Observation Tower)

This section contains several shorter pieces:

• "Forskning eller handling" (Research or action): This piece criticizes the tendency to delay action by demanding more research, using examples like the alcohol problem, school discipline, and agricultural pollution. It questions the scientific basis for claims about inherited alcoholism and suggests that psychological factors and societal influences play a significant role.
• "Samtal om Människan I" (Conversation about Man I): A dialogue between 'Licentius' (a psychologist) and 'Observator' (V. V.). Licentius defends modern psychology (behaviorism), while Observator criticizes it for treating humans like agricultural subjects, focusing only on external factors and neglecting the 'soul.' Observator recommends the book "Människan, en person i två naturer" (Man, a person in two natures).

Advertisements and Book Reviews

• "PIGG PÅ POLLEN" (Vigorous from Pollen): An advertisement for 'Örtagubbens Pollen med Regisan,' a product claimed to provide vitality and energy, containing medicinal yeast, B-vitamins, and E-vitamin.
• "ORTAGUBBENS POLLEN ger LIVSLUST OCH ENERGI" (Ortagubben's Pollen gives zest for life and energy): Further advertising for pollen products with prices.
• "Vitlökskapslar" (Garlic Capsules): An advertisement for garlic capsules, highlighting garlic's healing properties.
• "ÖRTEXTRAKTER" (Herbal Extracts): A price list for various concentrated herbal extracts sold by ORTAGUBBEN.
• "VETEGRODDOLJA" (Wheat Germ Oil): An advertisement for wheat germ oil, emphasizing its high E-vitamin content and other benefits, with prices.
• Book Advertisement: An advertisement for Viktor Vallberg's book "LAPPMARKENS SJÄL" (The Soul of Lappland), a collection of memories from his time as a priest in Lappland.
• Book Advertisement: An advertisement for SEKLET issues from 1954-1966, highlighting Viktor Vallberg's contributions.
• Book Review/Mention: A mention of A. T. Gellerstedt as a poet, noting his membership in the Swedish Academy and his nature-focused poetry, with examples of his poems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET revolve around a critique of modern, industrialized civilization and its negative impact on human health, culture, and spirituality. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of traditional values, rural life, and a connection to nature. The magazine promotes alternative health practices, including homeopathy and herbalism, and explores spiritual and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of concern for societal degeneration and a call for a return to more natural, holistic, and spiritually grounded ways of living. There is a clear advocacy for preserving farming culture and a skepticism towards purely materialistic and scientific approaches that disregard the spiritual and natural aspects of life.