Reaity is an illusion ...
The end of that phrase reads, "caused by a lack of alcohol."
Or at least that's the way I heard it at some point in college. And when you think about it, is that statement that far from the truth? Look at all the people we idolize in the arts, humanities, and science, both past and present. Artists, musicians, philosophers, scientists... They were all riding their own respective "highs" when they made those mind-shattering discoveries or generation-transcending works that have become the cornerstones of what we call either art or science or philosophy or literature - the list goes on.
It begs the question - are we as a human beings living on the fringe of something we don't understand when we're completely sober? Do the limits of the mind stretch beyond what we perceive without some stimulation?
Buddhists have been trying to reach a higher consciousness for centuries. Other religions and cultures have practiced similar rituals and ways of going beyond mere existence. For many, meditation, in one form or another, is supposed to be the way to transcend physical reality. But without the drugs, where does the self-flagellation and self-immolation get you? The average person, trying to find meaning. The everyday Joe trying to express himself through a poem or verse.
I suppose that all in all it gets you dead, but for those of us who are tallented to begin with, fame and immortality follow.
Which begs the next obvious question - how far are you willing to go?
Hemingway knew the answer to that question. Do you?
Do I?
Or at least that's the way I heard it at some point in college. And when you think about it, is that statement that far from the truth? Look at all the people we idolize in the arts, humanities, and science, both past and present. Artists, musicians, philosophers, scientists... They were all riding their own respective "highs" when they made those mind-shattering discoveries or generation-transcending works that have become the cornerstones of what we call either art or science or philosophy or literature - the list goes on.
It begs the question - are we as a human beings living on the fringe of something we don't understand when we're completely sober? Do the limits of the mind stretch beyond what we perceive without some stimulation?
Buddhists have been trying to reach a higher consciousness for centuries. Other religions and cultures have practiced similar rituals and ways of going beyond mere existence. For many, meditation, in one form or another, is supposed to be the way to transcend physical reality. But without the drugs, where does the self-flagellation and self-immolation get you? The average person, trying to find meaning. The everyday Joe trying to express himself through a poem or verse.
I suppose that all in all it gets you dead, but for those of us who are tallented to begin with, fame and immortality follow.
Which begs the next obvious question - how far are you willing to go?
Hemingway knew the answer to that question. Do you?
Do I?
posted by Mr. The Buffalo at 9:55 PM
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