Georges Ivanovich Gurdjieff was a Greek-Armenian spiritual teacher, mystic, and composer, born around 1866. He is best known for developing a unique system of self-development that combines elements of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. Gurdjieff emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the need for individuals to awaken from their mechanical behaviors to achieve a higher state of consciousness. Gurdjieff founded the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man in France in the 1920s, where he taught his ideas through various methods, including movement, music, and dance. His teachings have influenced many, leading to the establishment of various Gurdjieff groups and practices around the world.