Aldous Huxley had studied many systems of personnel development during his life, including the Alexander Technique. He met Alexander in the 1930’s when he was already an established author, best known for his novel ‘Brave New World’. His physical state was poor and threatened to end his writing career.
Huxley was very tall and awkward and subject to fatigue, insomnia and a weak stomach. He was very afraid of public speaking. By the time he met Alexander he was virtually bedridden, reduced to writing lying down with his typewriter resting on his chest.
The lessons he had from Alexander enabled him to resume normal activities and live in good health for another 25 years. He was so impressed with the work that he referred to it several times in his writings and even made Alexander a character in one of his novels.
After having lessons he wrote;
“The Alexander technique gives us all things we have been looking for in a system of physical education; relief from strain due to maladjustment and constant improvement in the physical and mental health. We can not ask for more from any system; nor, if we seriously desire to alter human beings in a desirable direction, can we ask any less.”
