wake and bacon wrote:Beyond factual knowledge (or lack thereof...), McKenna has inspired many a mind and has undoubtedly touched on things, subjects, that resonate with many people who follow him. To deny (
I know you aren't doing as such) McKenna's possible positive influence is silly. On the other hand - to base all of your experiences off of McKenna's is equally as silly. The important thing is that he inspired many, and still does, while also making many 'actual' discoveries along the way. His words can undeniably 'help' many, but not all. That's my take.
Damn! And I thought I was good at politically seeing both sides of things. Well put! *applauds*
You obviously understand what I'm getting at but I'll re-iterate for anyone who doesn't...
Not only this substance, but all entheogens have been shown to invoke seemingly limitless and unprecedented thoughts within people. When any given meme hits 'pop culture' status (
say McKenna's machine elves, or Strassman's spirit molecule, or even the concept of South American curranderos as the sole proprietors of all knowledge and 'proper' methodologies, etc, etc), it surripticiously becomes doctrine, even in the unwitting minds of those who would prefer to think they lie outside that sphere of influence. This invisible but forceful doctrine creates limitations and boundaries on that which has the unique and beautiful possibility to be truly limitless. New minds in this realm have the exceptional potential to bring new perspective free from the tainting influences of established memes and doctrines. There is a fine line between gaining knowledge and becoming human host to the meme as virus.
(sorry for the serious interlude)
All posts by this author are blatant plagiarisms, fictitious inventions, and outright lies.