Words to the Wise: A Practical Guide to the Esoteric Sciences Paperback – January 1, 2009

I would like to thank that monumental figure of a man, Mr. Jordan Maxwell for recommending a reading list of books on his website: jordanmaxwellshow.com. Caution: Do not go to jordanmaxwell.com, that website does not belong to him and he will not receive one cent of the items for sale. You will know you are in the correct website because everything in his legitimate website is free. If you choose to join his Research Society, it's only a small $30.00 annual donation. Jordan and Mr. Manly P. Hall were close friends, in fact, when Mr. Hall passed away he left a lot of his books to Jordan.This little gem of a book, Words to the Wise, is one of Jordan's recommended books. Mr. Manly expounds on the 14 requisites or offerings which each neophyte must bring to the gates of the "Everlasting House." Seven of the inner life are termed character : 1. INTEGRITY, 2. DISCRIMINATION, 3. APPLICATION, 4. PATIENCE, 5. MODERATION, 6. DETACHMENT, 7. RELAXATION. The seven of the outer life are termed attainments: 1. MATHEMATICS, 2. ASTRONOMY, 3. BIOLOGY AND PHYSICS, 4. SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE, 5. MUSIC AND ART, 6. LANGUAGE, 7. PHILOSOPHY.For those who are fairly familiar with the general principles of philosophy and the occult sciences and desire to a perfect this knowledge, he offers a working basis of a carefully selected library to start with: 1. The History of Philosophy, by Thomas Stanley. 2. Proclus on the Theology of Plato, Translated by Thomas Taylor. 3. The Restitution of Platonic Theology, by Thomas Taylor. 4. Anacalypsis, by Godfrey Higgins. 5. Isis Unveiled, by H.P. Blavatsky. 6. The Secret Doctrine, by H.P. Blavatsky 7. Mankind, Its Origin and Destiny, by an Anonymous Master of Arts of Oxford. 8. The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception, by Max Heindel. 9. Morals and Dogma of the Scottish Rite, by Albert Pike. 10. The Bhagavad Gita, a fragment from the Hindu classic The Mahabharata.Thanks to Amazon's excellent Kindle prices I was able to purchase almost the entire library for about $200.00. (some in Kindle and others in print) Except I couldn't find #3, The Restitution of Platonic Theology. Keep in mind that these are very old books, some are from the 1700s and 1800s and are currently being restored, so the description of the books mentions that there may be a few flaws in the printed books, this doesn't bother me. Another reviewer mentioned that other companies are selling these old books for $200. to 400.00 dollars each. So I will be happy to tolerate a few imperfections, otherwise these books would have been beyond my budget.There is a lot more to Words to the Wise, however, I must stop here due to lack of space.

As I became more and more frustrated with Orthodox Christianity, I felt that the best thing for me to do, is to work on fixing myself, and see where that takes me. I made it a point to not judge others as much, to be more patient, and to really just be a nicer person. Since then, I feel like things are making so much more sense to me. I don't feel wrong for questioning certain things regarding my past beliefs. I feel so much more of a connection to myself, and to God, to everything.In this book, M.P. Hall suggests that the first thing any person on a path to spiritual truth must do is look inside themselves and become more virtuous. If the self is not cleansed, then it will not be possible to be on an enlightened path (the middle way, Spiritual Truth, etc.). It made so much sense when I read that. Let me point out that I am not claiming to be remotely close to becoming enlightened, or that I have fixed all of my faults. But I have been having excellent progress on becoming a better person, and since then, have been much more happy. More things make sense, it's easier to change my opinion based on new information, and I feel like I am finding some truth. I have a long ways to go, probably many lifetimes, but that is ok. When I do read scripture, I can usually find a little bit more meaning in the message than just the literal message itself. I enjoy reading more about Christian scripture, Gnostic, Canonical, and many others such as Hindu. If I can find truth in something, then I will read it now. I've gotten rid of my previous religious dogmas, and look forward to learning about other spiritual beliefs.Hall gives examples of the virtues that one should work on, and why they are important for progressing into the next stage of your journey.He also talks about the different ways to spot a fraudulent adept, and what to look for in one to listen to. Of course, he mentions that you should never take anything anyone says as the ultimate Truth. It should be felt and found from within. Any adept that claims to promise enlightenment, is a fraud, and they should only help guide you to keep you on your path. And this is something that has been ringing true to me as well in some instances.There is much more in this little book, and if you are on a journey of finding truth, and you want some good advice, this would be a good buy for you. Even though Manly P. Hall has much to offer, remember that what he says is not your truth. It can only be found from within. He will even tell you this. Happy journeys.Bradley G.

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 groupsTeaches how to evaluate the claims of metaphysical groupsExplains what is expected of the sincere truth seekerIn 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."