The Hermetic North Star

Three asterisks arranged in an upward-pointing triangle.

What is foolish to the world, God has
chosen, that he might put the wise to
shame; and what is weak to the world,
God has chosen, that he might put
what is strong to shame. 1 Corinthians 1:27.
This passage is a cornerstone of Hermetic philosophy. It suggests that the "secret science" of alchemy is hidden from those with worldly education but revealed to the humble seeker.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness
with God. For it is written: I will
catch the wise in their own craftiness.
1 Corinthians 3:19.
original: "Klugheit." In this context, it refers to a self-serving or worldly cleverness that fails to grasp spiritual or natural truths.

Three asterisks arranged in a downward-pointing triangle.

God, World, Chosen, Wise ones, Wisdom, Foolishness, Craftiness, 1 Corinthians