Canadian born, Manly Palmer Hall is the author of over 150 published works, the best known of which are Initiates of the Flame, The Story of Healing, The Divine Art,Aliens Magick and Sorcery The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy. He was also the author of a masonic curiosity, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry in 1923, more than thirty years before he joined a lodge. The preface of later editions states "At the time I wrote this slender volume, I had just passed my twenty-first birthday, and my only contact with Freemasonry was through a few books commonly available to the public." Later, in 1944, he wrote The Secret Destiny of America which popularized the myth of a masonic purpose for the founding of the USA. In 1950 he weighed in again on the meaning of Freemasonry with his booklet: Masonic Orders of Fraternity. *** Initiated: June 28, 1954 Passed: September 20, 1954 Raised November 22, 1954 Jewel Lodge No. 374 Source: Grand Lodge of California records ; William R. Denslow, 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. Trenton, MO. : Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine, 1958. p. 165.
Excellent book! So much wisdom packed in this 158 page book. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of Manly P Hall's work, lovers of philosophy, of Esoteric Sciences, and lovers of metaphysics. Words to the wise examines the teachings of the Mystery schools, the five steps of Self-unfoldment, and how the practice of ancient disciplines can lead to a more purposeful life. Words to the wise:
Helps the reader to discern the difference between true and false paths to wisdom
Clarifies the differences between ancient wisdom organizations and modern groups
Teaches how to evaluate the claims of metaphysical groups
Explains what is expected of the sincere truth seeker
In the words of Manly P Hall:
"If a building is to stand, it must be raised upon adequate foundation; and if human character is to withstand the shocks of circumstance, it must also be built upon a firm and true foundation. No man can know more than he himself is. That with which we understand is the measure of our understanding. Before it is possible for an individual to perceive clearly the mysteries of the inner life, he must develop the faculties for this perception."
"Philosophy is not itself a body of knowledge, but rather an interpreter of knowledge. Knowledge does not actually become fact, Philosophically speaking, until its relationship with the divine Whole has been demonstrated. That which is perceived by the senses, is Nature. Nature, contemplated by the mind, reveals its processes and procedures. These in turn, comprehended by the inner self, become wisdom."
In starting out in ALL spiritual quests the first and most important thing is your motivation!! It is the first step that directs your path. What is your motivation for conquest of self in search of SELF. If your looking for a short cut, then you will only find frustration and miseries. The answer to materialism exists but it is a LONG arduous journey with many trials and rough weather!! As you and I both know living it everyday. Reading this book gives you practical advice for finding happiness. Patients is the most unusual thing to find in yourself because it seems like it not a very human trait.
“Wherever a man desires to know, that is the place proper for his education; whenever he desires to know, that is the time proper for his instruction.” – Socrates
In Words To The Wise, A Practical Guide To The Esoteric Sciences, Manly P. Hall gives a detailed examination of knowledge descending from the ancient mystery schools.
Hall delves into the finer strands of all that is metaphysics, religion and spirituality in a way that’s easy to comprehend for a novice, and yet sophisticated in depth for people that have interested in the subject for quite a while and are searching for more substantial information.
Beginning with the true and false paths to wisdom, Hall picks apart many of the aspects that can be confusing for people given how much information is out there. Keep in mind, the original version of this book was published in 1936, with the updated version revised in 1963.
That being said, the information is still quite pertinent given the unfortunately slow [spiritual] development of most of society at our current moment.
Hall speaks of the importance of learning from the ancient teachers – the upper echelons of ‘an unbroken metaphysical tradition’. Teachers such as, Plato, Aristotle, Hippocrates, Plutarch, Pythagoras, Proclus, and many many more. He even mentions some books which are vital to sift through and learn from that should be part of any student/researcher’s library.
Throughout the length of the book, Manly P. Hall talks about the importance to be able to hone in much of the misinformation/disinformation that is prevalent in this field, and he even gives thorough advice as to how to go about doing that.
Hall analyzes the seven requisites for a person of character, and thence goes into how to go about seeing what type of mystery schools are out there.
Ultimately, Hall goes into the importance for the individual to work on [spiritual] self-mastery above all. This notion is harpooned from countless angles and highly cautioned upon given the fact that the modern world religions, so called ascended masters, and even modern mystery schools, all attempt to tell you what to think, and not how to think. This is why Hall focuses so much on being discerning in this particular abstruse field.
Many great things have been said about this book, and for good reason. It offers valuable information that can save you a lot of precious time that can be used incisively elsewhere.
If you are familiar with Manly P. Hall’s work, then you know the realize the high quality of his information. And if you don’t, you really ought to take a gander at it. It will be well worth your time.
To finalize, will leave you all with a snippet of the author’s mentality:
“Philosophy elevates man to the level of truth, creating within him the capacity to sense and to realize, to visualize and to comprehend.” – Manly P. Hall
This is a must and one of the first books you need to read if you are interested into exploring other faiths. The book is fairly objective and doesn't quite try to sell you the idea to join a special cult or group. Added is the fact that during the first chapters, it gives a guide to future reads in the topics of spiritual growth. You feel that MPH has a special aversion against sects and similar, which he briefly explains in several parts. Keep your mind opened, be critic. Not because the guy is knowledgeable you need to accept everything. However, feel free to analyze the advice given. Recommended 100%.
Of all the books I have read by Manly P. Hall I'd say all of them are great reads, some have a little more difficulty than others but some have such a profound and beautiful sequence of thought/thinking/meditating that they seem almost to easy to read. He has a wonderful way of building concepts which help me understand many puzzling ideas now and from long ago as in the Ancient Philosophers'. I really enjoy MPH, style too. :) greg
Currently, on my second reading of this and "Adventures in Understanding" both short reads but, well worth it.