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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Jane Wolfe
K.J. GERMER 133 West 71st Street New York, N. Y. ENDICOTT 2-6799
April 1, 1943
Dear Jane,
I still have to answer your letter of March 20. Since that time Jack [Jack Parsons] has been here and we had a number of pleasant talks. As he is fully informed about the general position, there is no need of going into all the details.
You are, of course, wrong about the signing of the pledges. They are not to be signed when handing out the Word [Word of the Equinox]. What 666 wrote you is just that whoever does not sign it, won't get the Word; that's all. But the idea is not that you can buy the Word by signing of the pledge. This is entirely a matter of discipline and separating the chaff from the corn. Also the fact that some members seemed to support Smith in his stand; furthermore that you wrote that Smith thought he could get away with it. If there is to be authority in the Order, well, let him prove it.
The only point which Jack raised was Helen's [Helen Parsons] pregnancy. I am fully with him in waiting for drastic action until after the event. But the signing of the pledges is not any drastic act. So there is definitely no reason for delaying this. Please go on with this, after discussing it with Jack.
There is the point of the set of 9 vols. of the Equinox which Miss Graham [Mildred Burlingame] ordered and paid a deposit of $10.00. There is a balance of $25.00 and Jack said the Lodge [Agape Lodge] would buy this and pay the balance. I do not wish to delay this much longer, so please remind Jack and let me know what you want to do. I think the Volumes are still there, though January 1 was supposed to be the deadline.
I am glad you went over your diaries and that this—as is always—cleared your mind and made you see matters in perspective.
I dislike conversing on the subject of "Authority is absolute in the Order". I don't quite see what Liber OZ has to do with it. It's like going into the army: a private can never know all the issues; he has got to obey his corporal, who knows more; or his captain who gives him a tactical order; he in turn depends on the orders of the Major, the Colonel, the general etc. If the general finds that a Colonel is incapable, he is discharged, else he would endanger the safety of his regiment; and he bloody well has to obey. Isn't all that very much commonsense? Why should it be different in any business or organisation or for that matter in our Order? There is no fight; there hasn't been any. There has been dissatisfaction with Smith's leadership right along. This has been expressed time and again. Too many reports have been received at G.H.Q. [Grand Headquarters]. of Smith's inadequate way of conducting affairs.
There is another analogy with life in an army. All units have to cooperate under a supreme command. It can't be that, say, one regiment fights another of the same army while this army is engaged in fighting a battle. But this is the very thing that has been going on in California for a long time.
The plans and activities of the Order are much vaster than you people seem to think or guess. Of all the various groups it is not too much to sat that Agape, instead of being the most creative and the greatest asset as a single unit, has been the one that these last years has possibly done less than most, if not all others. No wonder, if you eat yourself up in internal bickering and strife. There is not enthusiasm among the members; there is not the slightest idea rampant among all of you that we are doing something, and that we are making wonderful progress. Only: Agape almost seem outside, and doesn't seem to take part in it. It is very tragic indeed.
All you have is Jack and his friends; HE is the great asset of Agape; and left to himself would probably have been freer. Yet these experiences are very good for him.
Authority is alright; discipline too. But orthodox autocratic tyranny is the greatest evil. We want free men and women, Kings who discipline themselves and undergo the necessary hardships selected freely. Slaves, dominated by a tyrant or dictator may just as well go to Hitler. The proper ruler inspired those under him; creates enthusiasm; is glad if he sees the bud of the T.W. [True Will] blooming; and will rejoice and feast if it blossoms out to full development. Instead of that we have seen too much that stifles others and restricts them.
Another angle of this topic: Every man and every woman is a Star. This star is not the particular body, not the physical. This body should be the tool, or if you will, the slave of the Star. The Stars are free in their orbit; they go their way out of their own True Wills. It is the work of the leader to set these T.W.s free. If he only clings to the physical—where are we?
All this is really very boring, and I will stop on this subject. You should really think any problem out for yourself.—Anyway, I have asked A.C. to elucidate the matter for you.
I hope you will let me have those pledges back some time next week after discussing it with Jack.
With fraternal love to you,
Karl
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