Wandering too far : the Blindfold of Illiteracy

Translation : “Being illiterate is like being blind. Failures and misfortunes await him everywhere.”

ZOVEK

TOKYO DRIFTER

PHILOSOPHERS’ STONE

The philosophers’ stone (Latin: lapis philosophorum) is a legendary alchemical substance, supposedly capable of turning base metals, especially lead, into gold ; it was also sometimes believed to be an elixir of life, useful for rejuvenation and possibly for achieving immortality. For a long time, it was the most sought-after goal in Western alchemy, meditated upon by alchemists. The Stone was the central symbol of the mystical terminology of alchemy, symbolizing perfection, enlightenment, heavenly bliss, theophany and of the Christ. The discovery of the philosopher’s stone was known as the Great Work.

In Latin, “philosophorum” is the plural genitive and translates to “of the philosophers”, not “of just one philosopher”. A more accurate spelling therefore is, “Philosophers’ Stone”, not “Philosopher’s Stone”.