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lucazani11's review against another edition
3.0
Altered States of Consciousness: Huxley's primary focus in both essays is the exploration of altered states of consciousness, which he often achieves through the use of the psychedelic substance mescaline. He describes how mescaline and similar substances can profoundly alter one's perception of reality, leading to heightened sensory experiences and a sense of interconnectedness with the universe.
Perception and Reality: Huxley delves into the idea that our ordinary perception of reality is limited and constrained. He suggests that our brains act as filters, allowing only a fraction of the sensory input available to reach our conscious awareness. Altered states of consciousness, such as those induced by mescaline, can temporarily remove or alter these filters, revealing a more profound and vibrant reality.
Mysticism and Spiritual Experience: Huxley explores the overlap between altered states of consciousness and mystical or spiritual experiences. He contends that these altered states can provide a glimpse into the transcendent and the divine, blurring the boundaries between self and other, and providing a sense of unity with the universe.
The Mind as Reducer: Huxley argues that our minds often serve as "reducing valves" that limit our perception to prevent sensory overload. In altered states, this reducing function is temporarily suspended, allowing a flood of sensory data to enter our awareness. This, he suggests, is responsible for the heightened perception and mystical experiences that occur during such states.
Art and Aesthetics: Huxley discusses how altered states of consciousness can influence creativity and artistry. He suggests that artists, in particular, may benefit from these experiences as they can lead to new ways of perceiving and expressing the world, potentially inspiring novel artistic creations.
The Nature of Good and Evil: In "Heaven and Hell," Huxley explores the concepts of good and evil, suggesting that they are often relative and dependent on one's perspective. He discusses the idea that altered states of consciousness can provide a more nuanced understanding of morality and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Limitations of Language: Huxley acknowledges the difficulty of expressing the experiences of altered states through language. He argues that words are inherently limited in conveying the depth and complexity of these experiences and that direct experience is more profound than any description.
Perception and Reality: Huxley delves into the idea that our ordinary perception of reality is limited and constrained. He suggests that our brains act as filters, allowing only a fraction of the sensory input available to reach our conscious awareness. Altered states of consciousness, such as those induced by mescaline, can temporarily remove or alter these filters, revealing a more profound and vibrant reality.
Mysticism and Spiritual Experience: Huxley explores the overlap between altered states of consciousness and mystical or spiritual experiences. He contends that these altered states can provide a glimpse into the transcendent and the divine, blurring the boundaries between self and other, and providing a sense of unity with the universe.
The Mind as Reducer: Huxley argues that our minds often serve as "reducing valves" that limit our perception to prevent sensory overload. In altered states, this reducing function is temporarily suspended, allowing a flood of sensory data to enter our awareness. This, he suggests, is responsible for the heightened perception and mystical experiences that occur during such states.
Art and Aesthetics: Huxley discusses how altered states of consciousness can influence creativity and artistry. He suggests that artists, in particular, may benefit from these experiences as they can lead to new ways of perceiving and expressing the world, potentially inspiring novel artistic creations.
The Nature of Good and Evil: In "Heaven and Hell," Huxley explores the concepts of good and evil, suggesting that they are often relative and dependent on one's perspective. He discusses the idea that altered states of consciousness can provide a more nuanced understanding of morality and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Limitations of Language: Huxley acknowledges the difficulty of expressing the experiences of altered states through language. He argues that words are inherently limited in conveying the depth and complexity of these experiences and that direct experience is more profound than any description.
v_hovnanian's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Many references to works of art and literature made it very hard to follow. Probably best to read with a notebook to map out the references (if one cares).
cansadop's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
caraellen's review against another edition
4.25
For me it kept switching between pages of such profound insights and fascinating discussions and then pages of repetitive descriptions.
katephobic's review against another edition
4.0
Quick thoughts because I don’t feel like doing an in depth review (and I only do these for myself to reread them anyway)
-I can see why Jim Morrison liked this book, enough to name his whole band after it
-I really want to experience what he’s talking about now but he said don’t do drugs if you’re prone to anxiety…. Maybe not for me then
-The “brain valve” was a cool thought because some people definitely experience different things in different ways. Maybe it’s about consciously choosing to pay attention to everything in the world vs not, or maybe people are genetically hardwired to feel some things more deeply. LSD can open anyone’s brains temporarily and forever make them more appreciative
-The thoughts at the end about nonverbal education were intriguing- Huxley says that our current education system is lacking and we need more sensory input/non-verbal stimulus. We’ve done a better job at this today but my ADHD brain always wants more. Do we access this only through drugs? That was what I thought he was arguing, but that wouldn’t make much sense for kids
-Loved Huxley’s curiosity and non judgement about other cultures
-A little dated but still pretty applicable to today
-I can see why Jim Morrison liked this book, enough to name his whole band after it
-I really want to experience what he’s talking about now but he said don’t do drugs if you’re prone to anxiety…. Maybe not for me then
-The “brain valve” was a cool thought because some people definitely experience different things in different ways. Maybe it’s about consciously choosing to pay attention to everything in the world vs not, or maybe people are genetically hardwired to feel some things more deeply. LSD can open anyone’s brains temporarily and forever make them more appreciative
-The thoughts at the end about nonverbal education were intriguing- Huxley says that our current education system is lacking and we need more sensory input/non-verbal stimulus. We’ve done a better job at this today but my ADHD brain always wants more. Do we access this only through drugs? That was what I thought he was arguing, but that wouldn’t make much sense for kids
-Loved Huxley’s curiosity and non judgement about other cultures
-A little dated but still pretty applicable to today