Epilogue.

Skepticism, with regard to the Spiritist Doctrine, when it does not result from a systematic and self-interested opposition, almost always originates from an incomplete knowledge of the facts, which does not prevent some persons from regarding the question as settled, as if they knew it perfectly. One may be very witty, even have much instruction, and lack good sense. Now, the first indication of the lack of good sense is one's belief in one's own infallibility. Many persons also see in the Spiritist manifestations only an object of curiosity. We hope that, through the reading of this book, they will find in these strange phenomena something more than a mere pastime. The Spiritist science comprises two parts: one experimental, concerning the manifestations in general, the other philosophical, concerning the intelligent manifestations. He who has observed only the first is in the condition of one who knows Physics only through the recreational experiments, without having penetrated the philosophy of the science. The true Spiritist Doctrine lies in the teaching that the Spirits have given, and the knowledge that this teaching entails is too grave to be acquired in any other way than by a serious and persevering study, made in silence and recollection; only on this condition can one observe an infinite number of facts and particulars that escape the superficial observer and permit the forming of an opinion. If this book had no other result than to show the serious side of the question and to provoke studies in that direction, that would already be much, and we would feel happy to have been chosen to carry out a work for which, moreover, we claim no personal merit. We hope that it will give another result, that of guiding the men who desire to enlighten themselves, showing them, in such studies, a great and sublime end: that of individual and social progress, and of pointing out to them the path to follow in order to attain it. We shall associate ourselves with all our heart in their labors and shall rejoice in all the communications that they may see fit to send us in this regard. The teaching given by the Spirits continues, at this moment, upon several parts, whose publication they have postponed in order to have more time to elaborate and complete them. The forthcoming publication, which will be the continuation of the three books contained in this first work, will comprise, among other things, the practical means by which man may succeed in neutralizing selfishness, the source of the majority of the ills that afflict society. This subject concerns all the questions of his position in the world and of his terrestrial future.

Note — This second part will be published by subscription, and destined for the persons who enroll for this purpose, making their request to us in writing (at no charge whatsoever).

[133] Tr. N.: Much more abridged and with slight modifications in its wording, this epilogue corresponds, in the definitive 1860 edition, to part XVII of the “Introduction” to The Spirits' Book.

[134] Tr. N.: Everything indicates that Allan Kardec is referring to The Mediums' Book, published in 1861, and not, as some think, to the booklet Practical Instruction on Spiritist Manifestations, published in 1858.