Causes Quote by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
“I confess that Magic teacheth many superfluous things, and curious prodigies for ostentation; leave them as empty things, yet be not ignorant of their causes. But those things which are for the profit of men -- for the turning away of evil events, for the destroying of sorceries, for the curing of diseases, for the exterminating of phantasms, for the preserving of life, honor, or fortune -- may be done without offense to God or injury to religion, because they are, as profitable, so necessary.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Three Books of Occult Philosophy, 1531
Magic can be useful when applied to beneficial ends, but frivolous tricks should be ignored; practical magic that protects, heals, or improves life is permissible.
In simple terms: Useful magic helps, useless magic is empty.
Use magic responsibly for good.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- medical treatment
- defense against harm
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish beneficial from harmful magical practices?
- What safeguards ensure ethical use?
Misuse can lead to superstition or moral ambiguity.