East is West

The two most fundamental elements of Alexander's work are Inhibition and Non-Endgaining. They are the basis of conscious control which Alexander believed could lead to the possible and necessary evolution of humankind. Constructive conscious control of the individual was so central to Alexander's thinking that he chose it as the title of one of his books. Although his approach was revolutionary, the idea has been around for a while.


"Among the ancients, he who wished to have the shining virtue illuminated throughout the world, first governed his nation well. Wishing to govern his nation well, he first managed his family in good order. Wishing to manage his family in good order, he first cultivated his person. Wishing to cultivate his person, he first rectified his heart. Wishing to rectify his heart, he first rendered his thoughts sincere. Wishing to render his thoughts sincere, he first let his innate intellect reveal itself. The way to reveal innate intellect is to eradicate the desire for things."

Confucius
The Great Learning