1945 Quote by Aleister Crowley
““The moral, dear child, is that such powers are never to be considered as the main object; it ought in fact to be obvious from the start that any one's True Will must be deeper and more comprehensive than any mere technical achievement. I will go further and say that any such endeavour must be a magical mistake, like cherishing a gun or a clock or a fishing-rod for its own sake, and not for the use that one can make of it. Indeed, that remark goes to the root of the matter; for all these powers, if we understand them properly, are natural by-products of one's real Great Work. My own experience was very convincing on this point; for one power after another came popping up when it was least wanted, and I saw at once that they represented so many leaks in my boat. And really they are quite a bit of a nuisance. Their possession is so flattering, and their seduction so subtle. One understands at once why all the first-class Teachers insist so sternly that the Siddhi (or Iddhi) must be rejected firmly by the Aspirant, if he is not to be side-tracked and ultimately lost.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of the Law, 1904
True will should guide actions, not the allure of power or tools; mastery requires rejecting superficial achievements.
In simple terms: Focus on deeper purpose, not flashy abilities.
Prioritize inner purpose over external power.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal development
- meditation
- ethical decision‑making
- leadership training
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner purpose drives your actions?
- How do you discern genuine growth from ego‑driven power?
The concept of “magical mistake” may be interpreted subjectively.