(1) The gnostic is dissatisfied with his situation.
(2) The gnostic attributes his dissatisfaction to the world's intrinsic poor organization (instead of attributing the source of dissatisfaction to "poorly organized," or imperfect, human beings (original sin).
(3) The gnostic believes that salvation from the evil of the world is possible.
(4) In connection with the third characteristic, the gnostic believes that the very order of existence must be changed. From a wretched world a good one must evolve historically. Instead of salvation coming through grace at death, salvation must is procured now.
(5) The gnostic believes that a change in the order of being--the procurement of salvation--lies within the realm of human action.
(6) The gnostic believes it is up to him, through knowledge, to alter our very existence. This characteristic reveals "the construction of a formula for self and world salvation, as well as the gnostic’s readiness to come forward as a prophet who will proclaim his knowledge about the salvation of mankind."
