Hermes Trismegistus

HIS

First Book.

To my son: write this first book, both for humanity’s sake and out of piety original: "Piety" (devotion or religious reverence) 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" and to give thanks for all things to Him who made them. This is something I will never stop doing.

3. What then should a man do, O Father, to lead his life well, seeing that nothing here is true?

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