Table Of ContentTHE ETERNAL FRUITS OF
KNOWLEDGE
Cecil A. Poole, F.R.C.
© 1975, 2003 and 2015, Supreme Grand Lodge of the Ancient & Mystical
Order Rosae Crucis
Supreme Grand Lodge Of The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis.
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Dedicated to Rosicrucians of
YESTERDAY
TODAY
TOMORROW
CONTENTS
Introduction
1. The Occult—A Path to Understanding
2. Finite and Infinite
3. Knowledge
4. The Nature of the Absolute
5. Human and Universal Purpose
6. Body, Mind, and Soul
7. Good and Evil
8. Mysticism
9. Immortality
10. Rosicrucian Philosophy
INTRODUCTION
T
HE FOUNDATIONS OF Rosicrucian knowledge are the principles upon
which to build a practical system of philosophic thought, which might be
referred to as a Rosicrucian philosophy. More important, these ideas are the
basis upon which to build a philosophy of life.
The human being has always evidenced a degree of curiosity. In fact,
curiosity seems to be an attribute of life. Many living creatures, in addition to
human beings, indicate their curiosity about objects and events. The human
being in particular seems to be endowed with a desire to learn, to know. He
has always investigated the unknown. He is distinguished from other living
things in that he has carried this investigation to the point of determining
causes and purposes that exist in his environment.
The traditional Rosicrucian knowledge has been the result of the efforts of
individuals who have delved into the unknown, who have searched for the
foundations upon which knowledge can be built. Today, some persons
believe that philosophy is restricted purely to the academic field. They
therefore have only a vague understanding of the scope of philosophy. In
fact, some may ask the question as to why philosophy should be studied. Is it
not a waste of time to speculate upon those profound questions which never
seem to have a satisfactory answer? Is it worthwhile to develop theories that
do not necessarily result in actual fact or information upon which proof can
be built?
These questions are legitimate. On the other hand, out of philosophical
speculation have developed many of the practical as well as the theoretical
disciplines and sciences with which we are familiar today. Even more
important for the individual is that possibly the best answer to the questions
concerning the value of philosophy is that there are questions. Individuals in
the process of asking questions are developing their potential possibilities and
attributes.
As long as man asks questions and speculates upon the answers, he is
concerned about the process of living. He is inquiring into the nature of man
and trying to reach a realization of man’s relationship to the universe which
he inhabits.
Questions in themselves cause man to reach out of himself and therefore
possibly fulfill one of his purposes, that is, to evolve. Through philosophy,
man is utilizing his own creative ability in an at tempt to adjust to his own
life and to his environment.
Whether or not an individual develops an individual philosophy of life
based upon an established premise, form, doctrine, or creed, we should
realize that living is an obligation as well as a necessity. To find out more
about that process of life and its purpose should be an obligation of the
intelligent human being.
I have attempted here to outline some of the problems of philosophy and
some of the principles which have been discussed and questioned by many
individuals and which in turn have contributed to the background of
knowledge that the Rosicrucians teach today. This is my interpretation of
many of the principles of Rosicrucian philosophy, and I must frankly state
that the conclusions reached here are my own personal opinions and do not
necessarily reflect the official philosophy of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC,
with which I have been associated for almost half a century.
Nevertheless, I believe my conclusions are basically in accord with the
Rosicrucian philosophy. I have found the study of Rosicrucian principles
worthwhile, and I hope that those who share what I have prepared will also
find, if not the answers to all the profound questions of living, at least some
stimulation for their own thinking that will aid them in directing their own
development to a worthwhile purpose and the formulation of a useful
philosophy of life.
I acknowledge my debt to various Rosicrucian publications for which I
have written over a period of many years. Parts of some of the chapters of
this book are taken from articles that have been previously published. I also
wish to acknowledge my obligation to Mr. Ralph M. Lewis, the Imperator
and chief executive of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, who encouraged me
to write this book, also to Mrs. Louise Vernon, who for many years has typed
and edited manuscripts for me, including the material contained in this
publication.
Cecil A. Poole
Sunnyvale, California
February 3, 1975
