edward@utcsrgv.UUCP (Edward Hsing) (06/27/83)
George Lucas based the concept of the force on the oriental concept of "Ch'i" (or "Ki" in Japan). Ch'i is by concept exactly the same as the Force. It is a life force that permeates the entire universe and is essential to the life of every living being. The belief and utilization of Ch'i was central to Shaolin philosophy as well as the philosophies of numerous other oriental cultures. A reference was made to the TV series Kung Fu which was rather significant. In some of the episodes, during Caine's "flashbacks" there are some references to Ch'i by the Shaolin masters. George Lucas didn't just invent the Force to give the Jedi a mystic philosophy, Lucas firmly believes in the existence of the Force (or Ch'i) and has said so in interviews. Any martial artist worth his/her salt can confirm what I'm saying about Ch'i. Ed Hsing (@ U of T) "May the Ch'i be with you"
grw@fortune.UUCP (06/28/83)
According to LIFE magazine, Lucas does NOT believe in the
force. According to a much older article in TIME (c. 1978), he
said "I believe in God and I believe in Good, but I'm not a member
of any organized religion." The LIFE article quotes Lucas' wife
as saying she thinks he really does believe in the force, but doesn't
want to sound "flakey".
Quoting my sources,
-Glenn