“Conscience: The Search for Truth,” by P.D. Ouspensky, is a collection of essays and lectures that delve into various philosophical, psychological, and spiritual topics. Ouspensky was a Russian esotericist, philosopher, and student of the Greek-Armenian teacher G.I. Gurdjieff. Much of his work explores the nature of consciousness and the potential for human development.

In “Conscience,” Ouspensky examines the concept of conscience not merely as a social or moral guideline, but as an intrinsic part of one’s inner being that can lead to higher states of consciousness and truth. He challenges the reader to question their perceptions of reality, the nature of their consciousness, and the potential for accessing higher dimensions of existence through inner development.

The book reflects Ouspensky’s broader interest in the idea that human beings live in a state of sleep or mechanical existence and that awakening to a higher state of consciousness requires a fundamental transformation of one’s being. This transformation is possible through deliberate effort, self-observation, and the development of what he terms “consciousness” and “conscience.”

While the book does not provide a systematic method for achieving such transformation, it offers insights and reflections that aim to provoke thought and self-examination. It is part of Ouspensky’s larger body of work that seeks to bridge Eastern mysticism and Western philosophy. This offers readers a pathway to explore the deeper aspects of existence and their own potential for spiritual awakening.