1943 Quote by Aleister Crowley
“The affiliation clause in our Constitution is a privilege: a courtesy to a sympathetic body. Were you not a Mason, or Co-Mason, you would have to be proposed and seconded, and then examined by savage Inquisitors, and then-probably-thrown out on the garbage heap. Well, no, it's not as bad as that; but we certainly don't want anybody who chooses to apply. Would you do it yourself, if you were on the Committee of a Club? The O.T.O. is a serious body, engaged on a work of Cosmic scope. You should question yourself: what can I contribute?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Lies, 1913
The clause grants privileged access to members, but outsiders face harsh scrutiny, suggesting exclusivity and power dynamics within secret societies.
In simple terms: Privileged members get easy entry; outsiders must endure tough vetting.
Consider the fairness of exclusive groups.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- joining a secret society
- applying for a club position
- evaluating group membership policies
- navigating institutional gatekeeping
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think exclusive clauses protect or harm an organization?
- How would you redesign membership processes for fairness?
Such clauses can foster inequality and resentment among non‑members.