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| The Rights of Man |
"Liber OZ", also known as "Book 77," "The Book of the Goat,"[1] and "The Rights of Man"[2] is a single-page declaration authored by the English occultist Aleister Crowley in 1941.[3] This text, initially published as a leaflet or broadside, delineates the fundamental rights of individuals as viewed through the lens of Thelema, the spiritual and social movement which Crowley founded in the early 20th century. Thelema emphasizes the principle of individual will as its core tenet.[4]
Liber OZ is divided into five succinct paragraphs, each addressing different aspects of human rights: moral, bodily, mental, sexual, and the right to safeguard these freedoms, including the controversial assertion of the right to commit tyrannicide. Crowley's aim was to encapsulate the principles of Thelema in a manner that was direct and accessible, describing the "O.T.O. plan in words of one syllable."[5] It is one of the last and shortest of the books known as the Libri of Aleister Crowley.
The creation of Liber OZ took place during the tumultuous period of World War II, underscoring the significance Crowley placed on the assertion of personal liberties amidst global conflict. This historical backdrop highlights the urgency of Crowley's message. The text draws from earlier initiation lectures and teachings within Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), a fraternal organization focused on the study and practice of Western esotericism and Thelema.[6]
Liber OZ encapsulates Crowley's vision of a society where individuals are free to pursue their True Will without external interference. It remains an essential document within Thelemic practice, continuing to influence contemporary interpretations of Crowley's work and the broader neopagan and New Age movements.[7] This declaration stands as a profound statement on the intrinsic rights of individuals, reflecting Crowley's enduring commitment to personal and spiritual liberty.[8]