Mystics and the World of Work

Do the words of the mystics have practical applications for managers? This book, Mystics and the World of Work: 31 Meditations for Managers by psychologist George Alliger suggests yes! and offers brief, challenging reflections that can aid managers in tackling their jobs. Although many of the mystics cited will be those to whom the term traditionally applies (Islamic Sufis, Zen masters, Hasidic visionaries, Christian mystics, Jewish sages, Hindu gurus), the definition of "mystic" is not strict. Included will be some philosophers (e.g., Ludwig Wittgenstein, Simone Weil, Alfred North Whitehead), scientists (e.g., physicists Neils Bohr, David Bohm, Erwin Schroedinger), literary figures (e.g., William Blake, Jorge Luis Borges), and psychologists (e.g., Carl Jung, William James), to each of whom can be attributed writings or statements are clearly mystical. Also, the research findings and writings of various fields of psychology both challenge and round out the thoughts of the mystics as they apply to management.