G.I.Gurdjieff

So far, we have been speaking about “internal considering,” that is, identifying with others. The opposite of this is “external considering,” which can also serve as a means of fighting against it. External considering is based on an entirely different attitude toward people that involves adapting oneself to their requirements and weaknesses.

By considering externally, we do what makes life easier for ourselves and for others.

Buffers play a significant role in the relation between personality and essence. A very important moment in our work is when we begin to distinguish between our personality and our essence. Our real “I,” our individuality, can grow only from our essence. But there are obstacles to this growth contained in personality, which is constantly exerting pressure on essence. In order for inner growth to begin, personality must become passive, and essence must become active. This can happen only if buffers are weakened or removed, because it is by buffers that personality holds essence in subjection.