Frithjof Schuon Archive

Corruptio optimi est pessima —One thinks too readily of the fall of the angels,But true celestial beings cannot fall —He who falls was already in the evil one’s grip.The fall of the angels was inventedIn order to provide an image of pride.

The worst corruption is the corruption of the best,Says a proverb. The truly goodCannot perish, for what can be corruptedCarries within itself the possibility of dying.Fallen spirits wanted to be divine —They were true angels only in appearance.

Some people think in terms of black and white;For instance: if a potentate dies,The eldest son decapitates the younger ones,Lest a foolhardy brother — who can tell? —Might be tempted by the pleasures of governance and fame;Such atrocities are the sad priceOf world...

Someone wants to be God, because he accords himself false rights;Consider the case of Icarus, who fell into the sea.Another seeks to become one with the Highest Self,Because God’s Selfhood has ordained this as his destiny.Quod licet Jovi — says an old saying —Non...