The Hermetic Museum
August 14, 2013
“It will be apparent that it is difficult to discern which properties each thing possesses in reality.” (Democritus, 8th century B.C.)
“Do not wonder that I conceal my name, and refuse to appear to you. Face to face. I have come forward, not for the sake of any paltry glory, or of worldly praise, but to do you good. Moreover, my teachers, even the true philosophers, advised me not thus to risk my life for the sake of obtaining a high place in the world’s esteem, to expose myself to greedy robbers or to give occasion for many crimes by the prostitution of this profound secret. Experience teaches that many philosophers who gave no thought to their personal safety, have been killed and deprived of their tincture by greedy and powerful robbers; and it stands to reason that any one going about with a great treasure in his hand, must fall a prey to brigands.” Anonymous 17th c. from The Hermetic Museum
Copyright © 2013 John Cleater. All rights reserved.