INTRODUCTION – XI

Other opponents add that it is strange that we seem to concern ourselves only with the spirits of well-known individuals and they ask why these are the only ones who manifest. Like many other errors, this one comes from superficial observation. Among the spirits who manifest spontaneously, those who are unknown outnumber the illustrious ones; they often take names that are allegorical or in keeping with their character. As for those whom we evoke – except in the case of relatives or friends – it is quite natural that we would prefer those we know rather than those we do not know. As for illustrious personalities, they are the ones who are noticed more and so they attract more attention.
These opponents also consider it strange that the spirits of eminent individuals casually respond to our appeal, and that they sometimes concern themselves with matters that seem insignificant when compared to what they accomplished during their lives.
However, this is not so surprising to those who know that the power and respect that such individuals enjoyed on earth do not necessarily entitle them to any supremacy in the spirit world. The Spirits confirm the Gospel words, “the great shall be abased, and the small shall be exalted,” which must be understood as relating to the position each of us will occupy among them. Thus, those who had been first on the earth may find themselves among the last in the spirit world. Those who make us bow to them in this life may return as the most humble laborers, for when they leave the earthly life behind, they leave all their grandeur behind as well.
The most powerful monarchs might find themselves to be below their lowest ranking soldiers.

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