This book is the fundamental work of the Russian mystic and philosopher Pyotr Demyanovich Uspensky (1878–1947). It is devoted to the problems of a person’s search for his true “I”, the nature and qualities of consciousness, as well as moral and ethical education. Author provides recommendations on how to get out of the civilizational impasse that humanity has found itself in. A significant part of the book is a presentation of the views of a famous spiritual teacher of the early 20th century. and the occultist George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (1866–1949). The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the events that shook Russia and the world – the First World War and the October Revolution. The book can be useful to a wide range of readers interested in the history of Russian esotericism and who want to understand the intricacies of moving along the spiritual path.