The book which the reader now holds in his hands, from one end to the other, as a whole and in its details, whatever gaps, exceptions, or weaknesses it may contain, treats of the advance from evil to good, from injustice to justice, from falsity to truth, from darkness to daylight, from blind appetite to conscience, from decay to life, from bestiality to duty, from Hell to Heaven, from limbo to God. Matter itself is the starting-point, and the point of arrival is the soul. Hydra at the beginning, an angel at the end.

Summary

This quote, from an unidentified book, presents a succinct summary of its central theme - the transformation from negative qualities to positive ones. It depicts an overarching journey from evil to good, injustice to justice, and falsity to truth. The author emphasizes the progression from darkness to light, from primal desires to conscience, and from decay to life. The reference to "Hydra at the beginning, an angel at the end" symbolizes the initial struggle and ultimate transcendence. Ultimately, the book portrays matter as the starting point, while the destination is the soul's elevation from lower states to a connection with the divine.

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