The International Academy for Continuous Education was inaugurated on October 15, 1971. Five basic Courses were conducted, each of ten months' duration. John Bennett conducted the first three courses and a part of the fourth course before his death on December 13, 1974. His stated aim was to introduce his students to the techniques and practice of work on themselves, and to prepare them for a role in communicating the Work to future generations. Each week the students were set a theme for study, and reported their findings to Bennett. In addition, he gave lectures on special subjects, as well as seminars and discussion groups. This volume is one of several based on those talks. In the presence of students who already had considerable experience of inner and practical work, Bennett is able to conduct a fluid discussion of abstruse and esoteric notions with his audiences.