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"Of all ideas generally regarded as having no place in Western thought, reincarnation is the most frequently asked about--it keeps arising in people's thinking by what seems to be a spontaneous curiosity. It emerges as a frequent theme in play and novel. Psychologists write theses on reincarnation. Books on the possibilities of many lives are authored by clergymen. A team of psychiatrists is currently investigating cases of supposed remembrance of former existences. Reincarnation is definitely 'in the air.' But how many individuals have informed views as to what reincarnation really means? Who is aware of the long history behind the idea in Western civilization? Reincarnation in World Thought explores what great thinkers through the ages have said on the subject. It examines what the world's religions, philosophies and sciences have contributed and are contributing to the discussion. Searching out the roots of the concept, it endeavors to discover whether reincarnation is simply the dream of wishful thinking, or possibly a universal lawful process beyond all creeds and dogmas. Both assenters and dissenters to the theory find space in these pages, Opening with introductory essays on reincarnation by four distinguished educators, the volume is intriguingly arranged in six parts: I. Reincarnation in Myth and Symbol; II. Reincarnation in the World's Religions; III. Reincarnation in Theosophy and Masonry; IV. Reincarnation Among Peoples of the World (African, American Indian, etc.); V. Western Thinkers on Reincarnation--the largest section of the book. VI. Scientists, Psychologists and Philosophers on Reincarnation."--front flap.