In a cosmological sense, Thoth-Hermes is equivalent to Logos, the "Word" that formed the

universe. His name is associated with the spiritual path that leads to perfection and divine

integrity or, more precisely, to various methods of philosophical purification, alchemical

transformation and theurgical ascent, which were varyingly adapted by most Mediterranean and

Middle Eastern cultic and philosophical communities, especially at the time of syncretic

Hellenism.

The figure of Hermes is an irreplaceable key to the intellectual development of modern culture.

Often associated with the Egyptian Thoth, his wisdom, amalgamating philosophy, magic,

astrology, alchemy and theology, was right at the foundations of the European Renaissance.

This book reveals the attributes of Hermes and of Hermetic philosophy and practice. By

discussing their origins and their historical spread, and by analysing the worldview and religious

iconography of the ancient Egyptians, the transformations of Hellenic culture, and various

aspects of theurgy and magic, the author shows how the tradition of Hermes Trismegistus'

wisdom, which is both multifarious and homogeneous, can be genetically traced back to the

sacred teachings of Ancient Egypt.

Reading this book with attention means in turn 1-coming face to face, 2-walking side by side, or

3-sheltering under the wing of an intellectual giant and a profoundly contemplative mind. Along

the way, as we read, three moments are discernible: first is the awareness that there is no end

of things to know-that is, marvelling at scientia, episteme, the endlessness of creation.

Second, there is the clear understanding that there is a restricted number of things we really

need to know-that "one thing needful". Finally, as the Hermetic learning is accomplished, there

is the realisation that there is no end of things to know