GURDJIEFF, G.I. – Life is real only then, when I am - Integral Book

THE OUTER AND INNER WORLD OF MANTHE PROBLEM OF OLD AGEbyP. MANNRussky Golos Sunday,April 14, 1935When Metchnikov's works were published, it seemed asif the problem of the prolongation of human life had beensolved. According to his view, premature, diseased ageingand death are the results of a chronic poisoning of tissues bythe poison of decaying bacteria, which takes place chiefly inthe large intestine.To prolong life, he advised a diet of sour milk (kefir,buttermilk), because the bacteria of the milk acid, on theirentrance into the intestine, prevent decay as well as thedevelopment of the agent of putrefaction.In proof, Metchnikov gave many examples of longevityof individuals and whole races. The scientist himself lived tobe seventy-one years old, an age which none of his familyattained, and attributed it to the fact that for several years hehad drunk sour milk every day, which was preparedaccording to a special recipe.Nevertheless, Metchnikov had exaggerated theimportance of the intestinal bacteria. Without doubt, thepoisons of the intestinal bacteria are harmful; but there aremany still more important causes for the premature ageingof the animal organism. There are certain animals whichhave no large intestine. But, just the same, they also becomeold and die.