“Despite modern assertions to the contrary, the ancient astronomers were not so simple as to believe that time moves in circles with identical situations repeating themselves like a non-stop variety show. The movement was considered rather as a spiral. Neither was it thought that men were inescapably at the mercy of the gods, for although divine power was not denied, it was possible by recognising the nature of each deity to become aware of the consequences which might be anticipated during his season of sovereignty, and to adjust accordingly. Trivial omens give warning of trivial events, but the momentous historical events that attend the birth of a greater cycle in time are preceded by phenomena of a portentous nature, through which the least observant can scarcely fail to become aware of impending change.” – John Michell (1972)
“[The number] 666 has been the subject of more comment and speculation than any other cabalistic number, principally on account of the last verse of Revelation 13. In the Greek text the number is spelt in letters, χξς’ or 600, 60, 6. The prophetic quality in these words has thrilled the imagination of readers throughout the age. The meaning they bear is remarkable and not easy to understand, for the mystical language of numerology has long been moribund. However, by reference to the ancient canon of the Temple, it is possible to acquire some knowledge of its vocabulary and grammar, which may not unreasonably be applied to the further understanding of prophetic works in which this language was used.” – John Michell (1972)
“As the most powerful or the most miserable considered their might or misery as a kind of right to the possessions of others, equivalent, in their opinion, to that of property, the destruction of equality was attended by the most terrible disorders. Such was, or may well have been, the origin of society and law, which bound new fetters on the poor, and gave new powers to the rich; which irretrievably destroyed natural liberty, eternally fixed the law of property and inequality, converted clever usurpation into unalterable right, and, for the advantage of a few ambitious individuals, subjected all mankind to perpetual labour, slavery and wretchedness.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1755)
“The idols and false notions which are now in possession of the human understanding, and have taken deep root therein, not only so beset men’s minds that truth can hardly find entrance, but even after entrance obtained, they will again in the very instauration of the sciences meet and trouble us, unless men being forewarned of the danger fortify themselves as far as may be against their assaults.” – Francis Bacon (1620)