Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Kybalion summary
Three Initiates
A Study of Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece
20 mins
Brief summary
The Kybalion explores the principles of Hermetic philosophy, diving into universal laws like the Law of Cause and Effect. It offers readers a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature of reality and their place within it.
Table of Contents
The Kybalion
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
The central sage
The central figure inspiring the Kybalion’s teachings is Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary sage associated with ancient esoteric wisdom. The name Hermes Trismegistus represents the fusion of Hermes, the Greek god of knowledge, with the ivine understanding from multiple traditions. Hermes Trismegistus is credited with founding the philosophy of Hermeticism, which focuses on unveiling spiritual truths about God and the cosmos.
According to legend, Hermes Trismegistus possessed complete knowledge of the universe. The Emerald Tablet and Corpus Hermeticum, influential Hermetic texts on alchemy and magic, were said to have been authored by Hermes Trismegistus himself.
Academic consensus suggests these works actually originated between the first and third centuries AD within Hellenistic Egyptian circles. But the mythical status of Hermes Trismegistus enhanced their prestige.
The Kybalion, however, claims its principles descend directly from this great teacher Hermes Trismegistus, who mastered all divine laws of nature and consciousness. This positions the Kybalion’s teachings as part of a secret oral tradition guarded by ancient masters and handed down through the centuries.
Each principle offers a lens into the whole of reality. As facets of a jewel, they provide perspective on the integrated mystery of life. The Kybalion invites the reader to synthesize the principles into a holistic philosophy in which Universal Mind manifests through Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm and the rest, together crafting an ordered and profound cosmos.
By attributing their insights to Hermes Trismegistus, the Kybalion’s authors sought to validate their modern interpretation of Hermeticism as aligned with true ancient wisdom, not just a product of twentieth-century New Thought.
Regardless of legitimacy, this sense of timeless knowledge appeals to spiritual seekers. The Kybalion promises access to enlightenment given as a gift by a legendary sage, giving readers tantalizing insight into how past masters viewed the workings of the universe.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Kybalion?
Key ideas in The Kybalion
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Kybalion about?
Kybalion (1908) is an occult classic of the New Thought movement that claims that mind and thought are the ultimate powers of the universe, and human beings can harness those primal forces – like thought, rhythm, and polarities – for health, wealth, and influence.
The Kybalion Review
The Kybalion (1908) explores the ancient principles of Hermetic philosophy and their application in our daily lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its profound wisdom and timeless teachings, it offers a unique perspective on the mysteries of the universe and the power of our thoughts.
- By delving into the principles of mentalism, correspondence, and vibration, the book provides practical insights into manifestation and personal transformation.
- The book's concise and direct language ensures that the concepts are accessible to readers of all backgrounds and ignites a curiosity that keeps the pages turning.
Who should read The Kybalion?
- History buffs curious about the foundations of the New Age and self-help movements
- Esoteric thinkers seeking out the texts that shaped modern occultism
- Anyone wanting to expand their perspective on metaphysics and consciousness
Categories with The Kybalion
Book summaries like The Kybalion
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Kybalion FAQs
What is the main message of The Kybalion?
The main message of The Kybalion is the seven principles of Hermetic philosophy.
How long does it take to read The Kybalion?
The reading time for The Kybalion varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Kybalion a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Kybalion is worth reading for those interested in Hermetic philosophy. It offers insights into universal laws and practical wisdom.
Who is the author of The Kybalion?
The author of The Kybalion is Three Initiates.
What to read after The Kybalion?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Kybalion, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Toxic People by Shahida Arabi
- The Simple Path to Wealth by J L Collins
- Becoming Myself by Irvin D. Yalom
- How to Be a People Magnet by Leil Lowndes
- The Unemployed Millionaire by Matt Morris
- Feeling Is The Secret by Neville Goddard
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- Utopia by Thomas More