Rating: 
Summary: Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Review: At last! A masterpiece of 4th Way instruction. This book very clearly explains how to view the ordinary moments of your life as opportunities to allow one's Self to appear, rather than in imagination, or asleep. There are chapters on several interesting topics, including; 'Being Present', 'False Personality and Essence', 'Transforming Negative Emotions', 'Death', 'The Astral Body', 'Influence C', and many others, all written like a collection of thoughts from the author over a long period of time in an easily comprehensible way. Whenever I read some of this book I always come away feeling like I've been fed something really fine, I'm never confused as I am by the intellectualisms and far-fetched theories that I've come across in many other esoteric books. It's not confusing or overtly intellectual; just a very straightforward account of the efforts and results of The Work on the author over several years.
Rating:
Summary: A teacher conveying his understanding to students
Review: Being intimately familiar with the writings of Mr. Gurdjieff and Mr. Ouspensky, I can say that Robert Burton's teaching is a direct extension of everything those two men practiced and taught. Also, as a 25-year student of Robert Burton's, I know that nothing is easier to misunderstand than a teacher and a school. Mr. Burton's book, Self-Remembering, is a pure encapsulation of how he teaches and how he himself works, and the fact that self-remembering is the hub of practicing the Fourth Way. But, more importantly, this book offers readers an emotional--not just an intellectual--handle for determining whether they see something unique in the idea of self-remembering, and in the idea that an individual cannot work or evolve alone; that a school is necessary for establishing a correct foundation of knowledge, methods, and guidance. Readers may also want to keep in mind that this book was not written originally for publication, but for Mr. Burton's students. It was not intended to persuade anyone of anything, but rather to convey the understanding of a conscious teacher to his students, largely as a reminder to them of how to re-connect emotionally to their own need to make efforts to actually awaken.
Rating:
Summary: Great Distillation of Dubious Precursors
Review: I have been interested in the teachings of Gurdjieff/Ouspensky for the better part of 20 years, and though I have had friends who have been involved in "The Work," I personally never have been, largely because I'm inclined to believe that the vaunted objective of "waking up" is most likely a chimera, and that the harsh rigorism of these teachings is exploitative of the natural sense of inferiorty and masochism that is latent in most human beings. In addition, I have increasingly tended to find the personalities of both Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, as evidenced by their biographers, repugnant: the former often seemingly insane, the latter insufferably pedantic; and both, evidently, hopeless alcoholics (though certain of their biographers come up with the most ingenious excuses for their behavior). The other thing I find particularly offensive about Gurdjieff and Ouspensky is their quasi-scientific cosmolgy, which contradicts much of what we know about science, and which at the end of the day is just too silly to take seriously.The one major idea promoted by these teachers, however, which does resonate within me (though it was harped upon more by O. than G), is that of "Eternal Recurrence," and which has meant a great deal to others, too, such as Heraclitus, Nietzsche and T.S. Eliot, to give three examples. For "Eternal Recurrence" seems to me to be a very plausible explanation for the "metaphyiscal" dimension of our plantetary existence, without which the universe would simply have to be recreated anew, moment-by-moment. For me, there seems little reason to doubt that everything we do does indeed possess ramifications sub specie aeternitatis. The author, Robert Burton, seems to feel this way, too, and his book downplays, without dispensing with, the regrettable cosmological basis upon which the teachings of G. & O. rests, and almost exclusively focuses upon what only might be accomplished in the here and now by simply "remembering ourselves." Unlike Ouspensky and Gurdjieff, there is something Zenlike and essentialist about Burton's book in the sense that it doesn't prominently display such cringe-worthy notions as the coldness of the sun, the consciousness of stones, incomprehensible hydrogen tables, the enneagram -- and all the other Gurdjieffian malarkey that seems so enticing to the half-educated. In fact, contra G. & O, both of whom you can hardly ever quote to the unconvinced without seeming like an unregenerate New Age lunatic, there are even passages in Burton's book that rival Marcus Aurelius in terms of their unpretentious immediacy, fitting for practically everyone except the spiritually ossified. All things considered, though, as "inferior" human beings, we tend to make saviors out of those who seem to know a little bit more than we do, and at the end of the day I'm inclined to think that the teachings of Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, Burton, et al, have helped precisely nobody to transcend in any meaningful way the horrific eventualities that comprise the fate of everyone who dwells in this vale of tears -- fascinating as those teachings otherwise might be. But then again, as Montaigne would say, what the hell do I know?
Rating:
Summary: Great Distillation of Dubious Precursors
Review: I have been interested in the teachings of Gurdjieff/Ouspensky for the better part of 20 years, and though I have had friends who have been involved in "The Work," I personally never have been, largely because I'm inclined to believe that the vaunted objective of "waking up" is most likely a chimera, and that the harsh rigorism of these teachings is exploitative of the natural sense of inferiorty and masochism that is latent in most human beings. In addition, I have increasingly tended to find the personalities of both Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, as evidenced by their biographers, repugnant: the former often seemingly insane, the latter insufferably pedantic; and both, evidently, hopeless alcoholics (though certain of their biographers come up with the most ingenious excuses for their behavior). The other thing I find particularly offensive about Gurdjieff and Ouspensky is their quasi-scientific cosmolgy, which contradicts much of what we know about science, and which at the end of the day is just too silly to take seriously. The one major idea promoted by these teachers, however, which does resonate within me (though it was harped upon more by O. than G), is that of "Eternal Recurrence," and which has meant a great deal to others, too, such as Heraclitus, Nietzsche and T.S. Eliot, to give three examples. For "Eternal Recurrence" seems to me to be a very plausible explanation for the "metaphyiscal" dimension of our plantetary existence, without which the universe would simply have to be recreated anew, moment-by-moment. For me, there seems little reason to doubt that everything we do does indeed possess ramifications sub specie aeternitatis. The author, Robert Burton, seems to feel this way, too, and his book downplays, without dispensing with, the regrettable cosmological basis upon which the teachings of G. & O. rests, and almost exclusively focuses upon what only might be accomplished in the here and now by simply "remembering ourselves." Unlike Ouspensky and Gurdjieff, there is something Zenlike and essentialist about Burton's book in the sense that it doesn't prominently display such cringe-worthy notions as the coldness of the sun, the consciousness of stones, incomprehensible hydrogen tables, the enneagram -- and all the other Gurdjieffian malarkey that seems so enticing to the half-educated. In fact, contra G. & O, both of whom you can hardly ever quote to the unconvinced without seeming like an unregenerate New Age lunatic, there are even passages in Burton's book that rival Marcus Aurelius in terms of their unpretentious immediacy, fitting for practically everyone except the spiritually ossified. All things considered, though, as "inferior" human beings, we tend to make saviors out of those who seem to know a little bit more than we do, and at the end of the day I'm inclined to think that the teachings of Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, Burton, et al, have helped precisely nobody to transcend in any meaningful way the horrific eventualities that comprise the fate of everyone who dwells in this vale of tears -- fascinating as those teachings otherwise might be. But then again, as Montaigne would say, what the hell do I know?
Rating:
Summary: The heart of the heart of the 4th Way
Review: I've read many 4th Way books over the years and this one, along with Ouspensky's In Search of the Miraculous and The Fourth Way, seems the most intelligent of them all. The whole system is about being a conscious being, which is attained by remembering oneself always and everywhere and transforming negative emotions. Most other 4th Way books seem to go off at tangents at times into relatively unimportant issues with their wiseacring but this book continually focuses on the most important point: remember yourself now! The author never deviates or introduces superfluous ideas in order to appear wise and he introduces many other people from throughout history who have something important to say on awakening.
It's interesting to read the negative reviews of this book by people criticizing the author. All this expression of negativity in the form of unconstructive criticism is probably a result of identification, or sleep, which is exactly the opposite of self-remembering. When reading this book it's very clear that the author has no negativity but seems to come entirely from his 'higher centers', that is, one gets the impression that he is being the words, not just talking about them. The author and the negative reviewers are complete opposites!
This is a very beautiful and simple book which says more than most of the other 4th Way books put together. Highly recommended for seekers of the Truth. Brilliant.
Rating: 
Summary: Derivative, But An Important Message
Review: Most of the reviewers of this book are members of the Fellowship of Friends, the cult Mr. Burton founded based on some of the ideas of Gurdjieff, and therefore they hype the book in glowing terms as may be expected of a devoted follower. As a former member, I'll resist the temptation to offer insights into how Mr. Burton's personal habits have resulted in there being so many more former members than members. The book itself is to be commended for emphasizing the most critical aspect of the Gurdjieff teachings -- perhaps the most critical aspect of many schools of spiritual development -- the need to be present, as Gurdjieff put it, "always and everywhere." Since the significance of this cannot be overemphasized, if the reader gains from the book some greater motivation to actually practice, the book will be among the reader's most valuable purchases. Mr. Burton's inclination towards presenting his insights in stilted language, with pretenses of being a scholar, reflect his own very humble origins and limited education. For similar reasons, there is little truly original in the book, as much is a restatement or reinterpretation of observations made by historical figures Mr. Burton rightfully admires. I find it off-putting myself, but perhaps other readers may like to join in the spirit of the book and imagine themselves reading esoterica. The message, if not the messenger, is well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: The author does not understand self-remembering
Review: The author does not understand self-remembering. He has a concept of self-remembering. Besides: Robert Burton is what Gurdjieff calls a hasnamus: a being, even under the impression of doing good, bringing harm to the world. Burton works with shocking his pupils, producing dogs, wishing to serve and waggle tail. He has not wish of his pupils to really wake up. They would run away like rats leaving a rotten boat. Beware!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a seminal text
Review: The author has palpably failed to understand the teaching of self-remembering, which suggests that he has not received the transmission. Thus his branch of fourth way teaching must be regarded as moribund. It is be hoped that researchers with potential will find their way to a genuine teacher. Aside from that the book is doctrinaire Ouspensky, and does not cover any new ground. Those who wish to read about this subject would be better advised to look in Nicoll's "Commentaries" or "The Fourth Way".
Rating:
Summary: A book by a trickster teacher, who is interested in power
Review: The Earl is interested mainly in your money, your socalled soul and in power. He is what is called a trickster teacher, and his order, the FOF (Fellowship of Friends), well, not so many friends there, rather blind sheep, waiting to sacrifice wool. So it is mainly their reviews, which you will read here. Burton never had any contact to Ouspensky, Gurdjieff or any of the real fourthway schools. He himself did not receive any what could be called
fourthway training. So beware if you really are interested
in fourthway teaching. The FOF people are also called the
bookmark people. Find out for yourself why this is so!
Rating: 
Summary: A book of quotes not a series of talks. Still very good.
Review: This is a book of quotes by the Author arranged by subject and bound together as a book. When I read the description I thought it was a series of Talks like Ouspensky's "Fourth Way" or "The Psychology of Man's Possible Evolution". In this book Burton focuses on the main tenant of the Fourth Way which is the practice of "Self-Remembering". Burton seems well read as he quotes many famous authors who one gets the impression that Burton believes are beyond men numbers 1, 2 and 3 especially Goethe. At times one wonders if Burton is speaking beyond his experience. A very curious quote in the book is "After many years of teaching, I have tired of the novelty of the system except for self remembering."
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