This collection of essays includes a remarkable variety of subjects, from the order of first principles to a wide range of their applications. Of particular interest are several chapters on what the author terms "integral anthropology". Schuon views human nature in the light of man's destiny to transcend himself in a way that is "supernaturally natural"; in other words, by realising his vocation as "image of God". Included are essays on the relation between intelligence and character; on the phenomenon of genius; the spiritual messages of David, Shankara and Honen; a comparison between Ptolemic and Copernican astronomy; and a comparison of historical Gnosticism with pure gnosis.