It seems appropriate to pay homage to some esotericists and mythologists of the XXth century for their erudition and the examples they set. René Guénon was an early student of Theosophy as well as Gnostic and Masonic teachings. He eventually turned to the traditional spiritual paths, discerning the Primordial Tradition on which they are based. The many volumes of his collected works are a veritable tour of metaphysics and symbolism of all the world’s sacred scriptures.

Julius Evola (1898-1974) began his career as an artist and was active both in the Futurist and Dadaist movements. His interests turned to esoteric matters. Unlike Guénon, he was more interested in the Western tradition. Therefore, he was more interested in the ancient Pagan mystery schools (e.g., Mithraism), Hermeticism, and ancient mythology from the Greeks to the Eddas of Iceland. He wrote books on Taoism, Zen, early Buddhism, Magic, Tantra, and the Grail. He lived simply in his apartment in Rome, accumulating nothing and giving away whatever he had.

George Dumézil, though not an esotericist, dedicated his life in obscurity to the study of the religions and mythologies of the Indo-European peoples, from the Indus Valley to Ireland and all points in between.

Note what these gentlemen have in common: a dispassionate interest in truth and gnosis. They did not start new religions, inaugurate new movements, encourage legions of followers, nor become entangled in sexual and/or financial scandals.