Manly P. Hall

Manly Palmer Hall (March 18, 1901 – August 29, 1990) was a Canadian-born scholar and philosopher. Well known for his 1928 encyclopedic outline of symbolical philosophyThe Secret Teachings of All Ages, he authored dozens of books and hundreds of essays and gave thousands of lectures in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Mr. Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society (PRS) in 1934 and was its first president, remaining so until his death in 1990.

Mr. Hall was  a seeker and lover of wisdom, and the very definition of a philosopher. He lived a unique and profound life that centered on his search for meaning in the world’s wisdom traditions. An autodidact and polymath, Hall amassed an extraordinary collection of rare books and artifacts from his extensive travels and devoted himself to the study of these works and their application to the positive development of the individual and society as a whole. He was a consummate teacher who took his deep learning and translated it into an accessible and compelling presentation to readers and listeners for seventy years. Hall attained an amazing degree of scholarship in those branches of learning that bear upon the beliefs, ideals, and convictions of humanity.

Mr. Hall gave nearly seven thousand different lectures and talks and appeared on numerous radio and television stations throughout the United States. All of his lectures, many lasting two hours, were given extemporaneously and without notes. 
​
In addition to these activities, Manly P. Hall traveled extensively and assembled a magnificent library. PRS continues to receive visitors and letters of appreciation from all over the world for the inspiration and guidance he shared over the course of his extraordinary life, and we continue his mission to provide practical and profound wisdom to seekers at all stages of life.