The Hidden Tradition: The Life, Works, and Influence of René Guénon

Abstract

This paper will delve into some of the fundamental aspects of Guénon’s life, writings, and influence. Due to the sheer number of books and articles that Guénon has penned, there will certainly be a lot of themes and points that will not be brought up, and certain liberties of my personal discretion have been used so as to focus on the more fundamental aspects of Guénon’s thought. I will explore Guénon’s major themes and ideas, and also look at where these ideas arose, and also who they went on to influence. It is my belief that Guénon can serve as a call to change the standards in religious studies. He brings a passion, a life, and an emotion rarely seen in today’s academia. He not only discussed religion, he lived it. He dared to make bold polemics against the norms of his day. Guénon’s life, ideas, and numerous students, both admitted and non-admitted, serve a testament to this unique and highly original individual.