"Occultism is not magic, though magic is one of its tools. Occultism is not the acquirement of powers, whether psychic or intellectual, though both are its servants. Neither is Occultism the pursuit of happiness, as men understand the word; for the first step is sacrifice, the second, renunciation.
Occultism is the science of life, the art of living.
Bearing these statements in mind, it is easy to see that true Occultism is far beyond the present attainment of ordinary humanity. Nevertheless, the longer the journey we have to make, the greater the necessity of making a start, and here let me draw my hearers’ attention to the fact that while Ethics are the key-note of Occultism, and an essential concomitant of it, yet virtue alone, and Ethics alone, whilst of the greatest value and necessity, are insufficient for the true Occultist, for they must be quickened by the Fire of Spiritual Knowledge."
— Mme H.P. Blavatsky