From the book
The Kybalion
Three Initiates · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordHeraclitus and Herbert Spencer are joined by the author as successive expressions of one underlying wisdom.
- In The KybalionVI accepts Spencer's formula about infinite and eternal energy as a high outside statement of Hermetic teaching.
- In this editionThe occurrence list retains the source's named authorities.
- A place to readVI.13: … “Teachings have no fault to find with Herbert Spencer's basic principle which postulates the existence of” …
Meaning
Heraclitus and Herbert Spencer are joined by the author as successive expressions of one underlying wisdom. The connection is made while discussing an infinite and eternal source behind appearances.
Use in the book
VI accepts Spencer's formula about infinite and eternal energy as a high outside statement of Hermetic teaching. The author then reports a further Hermetic belief: Spencer was an earlier Egyptian philosopher who later became Heraclitus. Mentalism is presented as the decisive addition to Spencer's formulation.
The surrounding discussion recognizes agreement with modern science while insisting that mind gives the better final explanation. The named thinkers help make the claimed continuity between antiquity, modern philosophy, and the present exposition visible.
Places to read
- VI The Divine Paradox · Block 13… “Teachings have no fault to find with Herbert Spencer's basic principle which postulates the existence of an "Infinite and Eternal Energy, from which all things proceed." In fact, the Hermetics recognize” …
- VI The Divine Paradox · Block 14“So, the student of Hermetics need not lay aside any of his cherished scientific views regarding the Universe. All he is asked to do is to grasp the underlying principle of” …
In this edition
The occurrence list retains the source's named authorities. The chapter's approximate ancient date and its reincarnation narrative are reported as its own statements.
Reading the argument
Agreement between formulations, influence between authors, and identity through reincarnation are three different claims. The text asserts the last without supplying evidence for it. A thematic comparison must not be made to function as proof of a previous life.
Related texts
First Principles distinguishes an unknowable ultimate reality from the relations science can investigate and includes a chapter on the rhythm of motion. Those themes help contextualize the comparison, but do not establish the reincarnation claimed in VI.10
Heraclitus
“Heraclitus” — 1 occurrence in 1 text block: VI.13.
Spencer
“Spencer” — 4 occurrences in 1 text block: VI.13.
Infinite and Eternal Energy
“Infinite and Eternal Energy” — 3 occurrences in 2 text blocks: IV.4; VI.13.
Source note
Herbert Spencer First Principles. Project Gutenberg transcription of the 1863 printing. Part I on the Unknowable and Part II chapter XI on the rhythm of motion provide the comparisons used here. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/55046/pg55046-images.html