Statement by Rose Levy, Translator & Teacher of Hebrew

As to the question: "Do I truly feel happier, or do I just tell myself that I'm happier because that's what I'm supposed to think?" — The supposition that I "tell myself I'm happy because that's what I'm supposed to think," is utterly ridiculous.   Anyone who knows me knows I don't like to be dictated to as to what to feel or think. Like most people, I valued my independent mind, and do more so today, and was suspicious of anything I thought to be controlling. I thank God that along with my suspicion I had enough humility to acknowledge there was something I was missing and needed to learn about myself and the world.

     In Aesthetic Realism consultations with The Three Persons, my consultants—Margot Carpenter, Carol Driscoll, and Devorah Tarrow—tried to understand me and showed me that my questions are humanity's and women's questions, not just Rose's, and that I am related to the whole world. I was learning that there are causes as to why I and people as such feel happy or bad; and that mind is not the inexplicable, murky thing I thought it was, but a necessary and beautiful subject of study.   This study includes learning about the fight between contempt and respect in me and all people.  

     As I continued studying Aesthetic Realism I was finding out that knowing the world was more pleasurable than looking down on and thinking I was superior to it. My mind and my interest in things came alive. I began reading again. I took classes in geology, education, music, the flute, physics, and anthropology—at the Museum of Natural History, the Aesthetic Realism Foundation, and Purchase College.

     My life continues to flourish. So to answer the question — yes! I am truly happy.

     As to Adam Mali's miserable complaint about his “trying to stay awake” during lectures by Eli Siegel: Attending classes for Aesthetic Realism consultants and associates, I have heard many of Eli Siegel's tape-recorded lectures. Some of the titles of these great lectures are: “Is There Such a Thing as Rightness? ” “This Went On: or Instinct in the Short Story” and "Medicine Is Within and Without.” To “hardly stay awake” hearing exciting lectures such as these, and to have the audacity to flaunt it as if it were the correct response, shows something of the inability of this person to focus his attention on the world. But there's a risk involved in “staying awake” and listening: doing so increases one's respect for reality and people—something Mali is not after.

Regarding the ridiculous claim that no time is spent on vacation while studying Aesthetic Realism: I love traveling and learning about the arts and culture of different countries.   Recently I traveled to Paris, Rome, Florence, Israel and Jordan.   I also love America 's National Parks. The fact is, through studying Aesthetic Realism I am able to appreciate their wonder in a way I once would not have. I am so thankful for this fact.