¶1 We have wished above all to show here how the application of traditional data permits the resolution of the questions that arise at present in the most immediate way, to explain the present state of terrestrial humanity, and at the same time to judge according to truth, and not according to conventional rules or sentimental preferences, all that properly constitutes modern civilisation.1 Moreover, we have not had the pretension to exhaust the subject, to treat it in all its details, nor to develop completely all its aspects without neglecting any; the principles from which we constantly draw inspiration oblige us, moreover, to present essentially synthetic views, and not analytical ones like those of ‘profane’ knowledge;2 but these views, precisely because they are synthetic, go much further in the direction of a true explanation than any analysis, which in reality has scarcely more than a simple descriptive value.3 In any case, we think we have said enough to enable those who are capable of understanding to draw, from what we have expounded, at least a part of the consequences that are implicitly contained therein;4 and they must be well persuaded that this work will be more profitable to them than a reading that would leave no place for reflection and meditation, for which, on the contrary, we have wished only to provide an appropriate point of departure, a sufficient support for rising above the vain multitude of individual opinions.5
⤒
→

Summary

Guénon explains that his aim has been to show how traditional principles can resolve present questions, explain the current state of humanity, and judge modern civilisation according to truth rather than convention or sentiment. He clarifies that he has not attempted to exhaust the subject or treat every detail, but has presented essentially synthetic views which, unlike analytical ‘profane’ knowledge, provide a more genuine explanation than mere description. He believes he has said enough for those capable of understanding to draw out the implicit consequences for themselves. He emphasises that this work will be more beneficial if it leaves room for reflection and meditation, rather than passive reading, and that he has only sought to provide a starting point for rising above individual opinions.

General notes

  1. données traditionnelles — Rendered as ‘traditional data’. Guénon means by this expression the ensemble of metaphysical and spiritual principles transmitted by orthodox traditions (Hindu, Christian, Islamic, etc.). These data are not opinions or theories, but universal truths that allow one to judge any civilisation according to objective criteria. ↩︎
  2. vues synthétiques vs analyse « profane » — Rendered as ‘synthetic views vs “profane” analysis’. Guénon opposes two approaches to knowledge: traditional synthesis (which grasps universal principles in their unity) and modern analysis (which fragments reality into details without ever ascending to principles). Analysis has only a descriptive value, while synthesis explains by relating everything to the unity of principles. ↩︎
  3. valeur descriptive de l’analyse — Rendered as ‘descriptive value of analysis’. Guénon criticises the pretension of modern science to ‘explain’ when it only describes phenomena. A true explanation must ascend to causes and principles, which only traditional synthesis can do. ↩︎
  4. conséquences implicites — Rendered as ‘implicit consequences’. Guénon insists on the initiatic character of his teaching: he does not give ready-made conclusions, but provides principles from which the qualified reader must draw the consequences himself by his own reflection and meditation. This is a traditional pedagogy. ↩︎
  5. s’élever au-dessus des opinions individuelles — Rendered as ‘rising above individual opinions’. Guénon opposes intellective knowledge (which grasps universal principles) to opinion (which is only an individual or collective preference, without foundation in truth). Reflection and meditation are the means of going beyond the level of opinion to attain true knowledge. ↩︎