In Glenn Alexander Magee’s seminal work, Hegel and the Hermetic Tradition, the reader is invited on a profound intellectual journey into the philosophical cosmos of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, unravelling the intricate threads that bind his thought to the enigmatic Hermetic tradition. Magee’s deeply researched exploration challenges conventional interpretations of Hegel, revealing a thinker profoundly shaped by the esoteric currents of Hermeticism.
Central to Magee’s thesis is the assertion that Hegel’s engagement with Hermeticism spans his entire oeuvre, culminating in a heightened fascination during his later years in Berlin. Drawing from an array of Hermetic luminaries—such as Baader, Böhme, Bruno, and Paracelsus—Magee illuminates how their mystical and occult philosophies permeate Hegel’s writings, from his early works through to his definitive philosophical system.
Magee deftly navigates Hegel’s philosophical corpus, demonstrating how Hermetic influences manifest in Hegel’s concept of Absolute Knowledge—a departure from traditional philosophical aims of seeking wisdom towards claiming its possession. This shift, Magee argues, aligns Hegel more closely with the Hermetic tradition’s pursuit of gnosis, or divine knowledge.
Critically acclaimed for its scholarly rigor, Hegel and the Hermetic Tradition not only unveils Hegel as a Hermetic thinker but also recontextualizes German Idealism within a broader historical and intellectual framework. It challenges readers to reassess Hegel’s philosophical legacy, positing that Hermeticism provides a crucial lens through which to understand his philosophical innovations and metaphysical insights.
With prose praised for its elegance and clarity, Magee constructs a compelling narrative that transcends disciplinary boundaries, appealing equally to seasoned scholars and newcomers alike. This landmark study not only enriches our understanding of Hegel but also prompts a deeper reflection on the interplay between philosophy, mysticism, and the perennial quest for transcendental truth.
Hegel and the Hermetic Tradition stands as a towering achievement—a testament to Magee’s scholarly prowess and a definitive reference for anyone seeking to unravel the intricate tapestry of Hegelian thought through the lens of Hermetic mysticism.
Simon Gros 
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