On What ‘Esoteric’ Could Mean in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

The word esoteric (Greek, ‘of the inner circle’) signals a type of information that only an elite can access. In this sense, the term first appeared in the second century CE in a satire by the Greek writer Lucian of Samosata (c. 125-180 CE), The Sale of Philosophers.  The esoteric can appear sublime or ridiculous and has a diversity of interpretations. It has acquired, broadly, three meanings. First, as the knowledge of a privileged minority. Second, as knowledge inaccessible to the majority as it demands special, rare abilities as, for example, in mathematics. Third, as a knowledge of spiritual reality hidden from ‘fallen’ or ‘sleeping’ humans. There are more possible associations, and we are mindful that any idea of the esoteric and its meanings is always seen from a particular point of view: ideological, religious, or political. It is usually accepted that the esoteric looks different from the ‘inside’ or the ‘outside.’ The esoteric and the exoteric minded will likely see each other as dysfunctional or irrational.