Gnostic philosophy

Gnostic philosophy is an ancient spiritual tradition that emphasizes personal knowledge (gnosis) as the key to understanding the divine. It suggests that the material world is created by a lesser, often ignorant or even malevolent, deity called the Demiurge, and that human beings possess a divine spark trapped within physical form. Enlightenment comes through inner spiritual awakening and gaining direct insight into this higher, true knowledge, which can lead to liberation from the material realm. Gnosticism often explores themes of duality—spirit versus matter—and encourages inner exploration to transcend worldly illusions.