The foundations of Beatlism are built upon the basic premise that within each of us there reside four beatles. Known as the Inner Beatles, these four beatles are in a constant state of flux. The four beatles as a unity is referred to as the inner band, or simply as The Self. The interaction between these inner beatles in turn defines our identity. At any one time we may find our inner beatles to be in harmony or discord with each other. It is this conflict that shapes our understanding and image of the Self. The particularities in the balance of the inner beatles shades our personalities and affects the way we experience life. 

Thus in any one individual at any one time, a particular beatle may gain predominance and control over the Self. Though such conditions may merely be a temporary phase or a stage in one’s life, the effects  of a prolonged dominance by any single beatle may have negative results. The goal of Beatlism is to bring about a balanced relationship between the inner beatles, and to prevent the inner band from dissolution. When the inner beatles comprise a harmonious whole, the inner band is said to perform at its existential peak. The Self realizes this state of being, by overcoming the propensity for individual inner beatles to operate as disparate parts.

This elusive state is known as the fifth beatle. The word, beatltude (say bé-attul-tewd) is used to describe the nature or experience of this state. When one occupies this state of being, one is said to have reached enbeatlement, and those who have attained enbeatlement are said to be beatlfied. next