The Art of Seeing - The Collected Works of Aldous Huxley

Chatto & Windus, 1974

A Natural Path to Better Vision

Unlike the dystopian vision described in Brave New World, or the psychedelic vision described in his The Doors of Perception, in The Art of Seeing, Aldous Huxley focuses on the actual vision of the human eye. Documenting his own profound near blindness and subsequent attempts to improve his own sight, Huxley offers a thorough instruction manual on the controversial alternative vision therapy exercises developed by W. H. Bates. 

Although Huxley remained visually challenged throughout his life, he explains how and why he was able to get significant benefits from the "Bates Method" and was determined to share his discovery with the world. "Since optical glass was no longer doing me any good, I decided to take the plunge. Within a couple of months, I was reading without glasses . . . without strain and fatigue," he wrote of the beginning of his process. 

Huxley discusses the physiology of the eye and how it can heal; the effects of disease and emotion; eye movement exercises; blinking and breathing; relaxation and many more approaches to improved optical and mental function. He describes the process of improving your vision as an art rather than a science. Those familiar with Huxley's work won't be surprised to learn that The Art of Seeing is more than just a dry manual-it is a thorough discussion of the physiology and psychology of human sight. Huxley fans and those interested in the art of seeing will find this a must read.