Rosicrucianism was a 17th century European spiritual and cultural movement. Some texts suggested there was a previously unknown order "built on esoteric truths of the ancient past ... concealed from the average man, provide insight into nature, the physical universe, and the spiritual realm."

"We speak unto you by parables, but would willingly bring you to the right, simple, easy, and ingenuous exposition, understanding, declaration, and knowledge of all secrets."

It doesn't seem like it gets explained much more than that, but Wikipedia tells me there's some Kabbalah, Hermeticism, alchemy and Christian mysticism baked in.

They are still around, too. So is Ben Franklin, but he's keeping a lower profile these days.

Next | More Books | Home