THEO. Its aims are several; but the most important of all are those which are likely to lead to the relief of human suffering under any or every form, moral as well as physical. And we believe the former to be far more important than the latter. Theosophy has to inculcate ethics; it has to purify the soul, if it would relieve the physical body, whose ailments, save cases of accidents, are all hereditary. It is not by studying Occultism for selfish ends, for the gratification of one’s personal ambition, pride, or vanity, that one can ever reach the true goal: that of helping suffering mankind. Nor is it by studying one single branch of the esoteric philosophy that a man becomes an Occultist, but by studying, if not mastering, them all. ENQ. Is help, then, to reach this most important aim, given only to those who study the esoteric sciences? THEO. Not at all. Every _lay_ member is entitled to general instruction if he only wants it; but few are willing to become what is called “working members,” and most prefer to remain the _drones_ of Theosophy. Let it be understood that private research is encouraged in the T.S., provided it does not infringe the limit which separates the exoteric from the esoteric, the _blind_ from the _conscious_ magic. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEOSOPHY AND SPIRITUALISM. ENQ. You speak of Theosophy and Occultism; are they identical? THEO. By no means. A man may be a very good Theosophist indeed, whether _in_ or _outside_ of the Society, without being in any way an Occultist. But no one can be a true Occultist without being a real Theosophist; otherwise he is simply a black magician, whether conscious or unconscious. ENQ. What do you mean? THEO. I have said already that a true Theosophist must put in practice the loftiest moral ideal, must strive to realize his unity with the whole of humanity, and work ceaselessly for others. Now, if an Occultist does not do all this, he must act selfishly for his own personal benefit; and if he has acquired more practical power than other ordinary men, he becomes forthwith a far more dangerous enemy to the world and those around him than the average mortal. This is clear. ENQ. Then is an Occultist simply a man who possesses more power than other people?