Category: Isis Unveiled: H. P. Blavatsky (1877)

"Indeed, the ancient philosophers seem to be generally held, even by the least prejudiced of our modern critics, to have lacked that profundity and thorough knowledge in the exact sciences of which our century is so boastful.   It is even questioned whether they understood that basic scientific principle: ex nihilo nihil fit (nothing comes [...]

"Physiology, like everything else in this world of constant evolution, is subject to the cyclic revolution. As it now seems to be hardly emerging from the shadows of the lower arc, so it may be one day proved to have been at the highest point of circumference of the circle far earlier than the days [...]

"Any Kabalist well acquainted with the Pythagorean system of numerals and geometry can demonstrate that the metaphysical views of Plato were based upon the strictest mathematical principles.   "True mathematics", says the Magicon, "is something with which all higher sciences are connected; common mathematics is but a deceitful phantasmagoria, whose much-praised infallibility only arises from [...]

"Dr. Schliemann, the enthusiastic Hellenist, has recently found, in his excavations in the Troad, abundant evidences of the same gradual change from babarism to civilization, and from civilization to barbarism again.   Why then should we feel so reluctant to admit the possibility that, if the antediluvians were so much better versed than ourselves in [...]

"They divided the interminable periods of human existence on this planet into cycles, during each of which mankind gradually reached the culminating point of highest civilization and gradually relapsed into abject barbarism.   To what eminence that race in its progress had several times arrived may be feebly surmised by the wonderful monuments of old, [...]

"As it is claimed to be unphilosophical to inquire into first causes, scientists now occupy themselves with considering their physical effects. The field of scientific investigation is therefore bounded by physical nature. When once its limits are reached, enquiry must stop, and their work be recommenced.   With all due respect to our learned men, [...]

"It has lately been the fashion to speak of "the untenable conceptions of an uncultivated past."  As though it were possible to hide behind an epigram the intellectual quarries out of which the reputations of so many modern philosophers have been carved!   Just as Tyndall is ever ready to disparage ancient philosophers - for [...]

"Ergo sum qui sum" - An axiom of Hermetic Philosophy.   "The discoveries of modern science do not disagree with the oldest traditions which claim an incredible antiquity for our race. Within the last few years geology, which previously had only conceded that man could be traced as far back as the tertiary period, has [...]

"Ergo sum qui sum" - An axiom of Hermetic Philosophy.   "The Kalmucks and some tribes of Siberia also describe in their legends earlier creations than our present race. These beings, they say, were possessed of almost boundless knowledge, and in their audacity even threatened rebellion against the Great Chief Spirit.   To punish their [...]

"Ergo sum qui sum" - An axiom of Hermetic Philosophy.   "As the cycle proceeded, man's eyes were more and more opened, until he came to know "good and evil" as well as the Elohim themselves. Having reached its summit, the cycle began to go downward. When the arc attained a certain point which brought [...]