In memoriam Erik Blumenthal

Baha'i author and psychologist Erik Blumenthal said that human beings have two important tasks -- to become more conscious and more spiritual. To assist people carry out those tasks, Erik Blumenthal wrote a series of profound and easy-to-read books that offer practical advice on marriage, child education, the meaning of life, encouragement, and aging. The far-reaching influence of his wisdom was demonstrated after he passed away in Germany aged 89 on 27 June 2004, when messages of mourning and sympathy poured in from many countries. Erik Blumenthal based the advice in his books on the teachings of the Baha'i Faith and on the findings of his psychological research. Among his most popular books were "'Peace with Your Partner: A Practical Guide to Happy Marriage"' and "'Believing in Yourself: A Practical Guide to Building Self-Confidence."' When he faced difficulties, Erik Blumenthal lived up to his own beliefs in the power of faith, a positive attitude, and a realistic optimism -- themes of his book "'The Way to Inner Freedom."' Because of his father's Jewish origins, he was forbidden entry to university, where he wanted to study medicine. During World War II he was forced to go into hiding for a while to escape harassment by Nazis. At 38, Erik Blumenthal began his study of psychology, reviewed his life, and became a Baha'i. The Baha'i principle that science and religion should be in harmony helped Mr. Blumenthal to select the school of psychology he found most appropriate, the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler. In 1964 he became president of the Swiss Society for Individual Psychology, and in 2001 Mr. Blumenthal was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Guild of Counsellors of Individual Psychology. In 1957 when his wife, Dolores, died, Mr. Blumenthal drew on his faith to carry on and care for their four dependent children. In 1959, he married Marianne, who became his colleague in both Baha'i and psychological activities for more than four decades. They had two children.