The purpose of this small, 23-chapter book is to demonstrate the usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect virtue. It focuses on the "way" (dŕo, 道) that is prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone. To follow these heavenly instructions by learning and teaching will automatically result in a Confucian virtue. Because Heaven has laid down what is the way to perfect virtue, it is not that difficult to follow the steps of the holy rulers of old if one only knows what is the right way.
English translation, by Charles Muller (http://www.hm.tyg.jp/~acmuller/contao/docofmean.htm)
excerpts of the Doctrine of the Mean (http://www.chinaknowledge.de/Literature/Classics/zhongyong.html) at Chinaknowledge (http://www.chinaknowledge.de)
full text (http://www.nothingistic.org/library/confucius/mean/) at Nothingistic (http://www.nothingistic.org).
The story of the Golden Dawn, like that of any human organization, is replete with high points and low points—with human achievements and human failings.
In fact, when Golden Dawn magicians are able to come to terms with the mixed bag of the Order’s history, they are less likely to fall into the trap of egotism—the scourge of magical Orders and religions alike.
Theosophy (meaning "Divine Wisdom") was welcomed by many educated people in America and in Britain, because it offered a vital and stimulating alternative to the religion of the masses.
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