Concerning the Law of Thelema

This is an epistle by Aleister Crowley (writing as "the Master Therion"), originally published in *The Equinox* in 1919, addressed to an unnamed professor and arguing for the social philosophy of Thelema as implemented through the O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis). The letter defends Thelema's Law ("Do What Thou Wilt") against the charge that it reduces to mere anarchism, arguing instead that it establishes a hierarchical society in which disputes are settled by chivalrous contest and "natural slaves" freely choose their subordinate role. Crowley draws on models like universities, military orders, trade guilds, and monastic communities to sketch a vision of a cooperative social order where every member holds a dignified, honored place — and where higher rank means greater obligation to serve rather than greater privilege. A distinctive claim runs through the letter: following Eliphas Lévi, Crowley argues that legitimate authority requires its holder to live austerely, since only leaders who visibly sacrifice comfort can be trusted to pursue the common good rather than personal gain. He presents the O.T.O.'s structure as the practical vehicle for this Utopia, illustrating the principle with the story of Crowley donating his own property to the Order and thereby — by his account — gaining far more influence in return.