Literary notes about exoteric (AI summary)
In literature, the term exoteric is frequently used to denote the outward, public aspect of a doctrine or practice, in contrast to an inner, secretive, or symbolic understanding. Writers use it to describe teachings or rituals that are accessible to all and form the conventional body of knowledge, as when a preacher offers the "regular exoteric precept" of adhering to commandments [1] or when delineating between the popular and philosophical modes of discourse [2]. It is also employed to signify the literal, explicit meaning of texts, marking the boundary between what is openly taught and what remains hidden to initiate audiences [3] [4].
- [54] His first answer was the regular exoteric precept: "Keep the commandments."
— from Esoteric Christianity, or The Lesser Mysteries by Annie Besant - ἐν τοῖς κατὰ φιλοσοφίαν, where we have the same antithesis in other words Exoteric or Dialectic versus Philosophical or Didactic.
— from Aristotle by George Grote - The latter is the key of the exoteric Churches and not worth discussion.
— from The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1 of 4 by H. P. (Helena Petrovna) Blavatsky - Pythagoras divided his classes into hearers of exoteric and esoteric lectures.
— from The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 3 of 4 by H. P. (Helena Petrovna) Blavatsky
