# Laus Lucis explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on theosophists building a temple for reviving ancient mysteries, contrasting various approaches to spirituality and occultism, ultimately dismissing obscure mysteries in favor of the Revelations of St. John.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Artifice

The chapter contrasts artificial, obscure rituals with rational, natural religious practices.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator suggests that those who study ancient lore may be deceiving themselves, as the learning proves to be 'stuff' and darkens understanding.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator expresses personal disdain for occult mysteries and declares faith in the Revelations of St. John.

## Key lines

> Each to his taste: some men prefer to play At mystery, as others at piquet.

People have different preferences; some enjoy engaging with mysteries just as others enjoy card games.

_The narrator equates the pursuit of mystery with a trivial pastime._

> For me⁠—unread in the occult, I’m fain To damn all mysteries alike as vain, Spurn the obscure and base my faith upon The Revelations of the good St. John.

As for me, I am not learned in occult matters and am happy to reject all mysteries as pointless, dismissing obscurity and instead placing my trust in the Book of Revelation.

_The narrator explicitly rejects occult mysteries in favor of biblical revelation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/laus-lucis
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters