Hermes Trismegistus

HIS First Book

To my son, I write this first book, both for humanity's sake and for piety original: "Piety"; meaning religious devotion and duty. toward God.

2. For there can be no religion more true or just than to know the things that exist original: "the things that are"; referring to the true nature of reality., and to give thanks for all things to Him who made them—something I shall never stop doing.

3. What then should a person do, O Father, to live well, since there is nothing here that is true original: "true"; in this context, "true" refers to the eternal and unchanging reality, contrasting with the illusory material world.?

4. Be pious and religious, O my son; for he who does so is the best and highest philosopher. And without philosophy,