1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
John Algeo, from the U.S.A. I joined the T.S. at the age of 17 in 1947.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I was President of the Florida Lodge (Miami) shortly after joining. In later years, I was president of the Atlanta, Georgia, Lodge and chairman of the board for the Stil-Light Theosophical Center in North Carolina. In the American Section, I served on the National Board of Directors (1984–7), as First Vice President (1987–93), and as National President (1993–2002). I was international Vice President 2002–8.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
I read a pamphlet about Theosophy as a “dangerous heresy” in the library of a Jesuit church in Miami; then I saw a T.S. meeting announced in the Miami Herald newspaper, attended, and joined a few weeks later. So I say that the Jesuits converted me to Theosophy.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
Theosophy offers the most explanatory view of the cosmos and human life I have ever found, and it provides the best guide for successful living out of all systems of thought I’ve encountered.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
The Secret Doctrine because it is the fullest exposition of the cosmos and humanity.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The Adyar society needs to keep abreast (internationally) with current developments in communication (as Theosophy Forward is doing!) and with the presentation of the Ancient Wisdom for modern times. It also needs to critically appraise its form of organizational government and make whatever adaptations that appraisal leads to.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
The movement as a whole needs to work more assiduously at fulfilling the Mahachohan’s vision of its future and its contribution to the welfare of the planet and all humanity.
From the editor:
Opinions and ideas expressed in the mini-interviews are exclusively of those who are being interviewed. They don’t necessarily represent the ideas and opinions of the compilers of Theosophy Forward. The responses of the interviewees are not edited for content. Some contributors give short answers to the questions while others touch upon the subject more elaborately.