Re: virus: Alternative Thought Patterns

Tim Rhodes (proftim@speakeasy.org)
Sun, 9 Mar 1997 22:26:56 -0800 (PST)


David McFadzean wrote:

> >> Sleep depravation will certainly put you into an "alternative thought
> >> process". It is useful for causing visions and revelations, but I'm
> >> not sure the insights gained are valid (sort of like hallucinogenics).
> >> Comments?

I would say it depends on the insights you're looking for, now doesn't it?

If you searching for revelations about the nature of objective reality
(apart from the self) then I can't recommend "alternative thought
processes" as likely to give you valid answers, as such. If, however,
you're looking for insights into how the mind constructs systems from
random input, or a way of viewing a given dynamic from outside your fixed
mental structure, then the results can be quite valid. Hallucinogenics
can provide a hyper-context from which to view process and interrelations
in a new light. And that's what an insight is, after all, isn't it?
Seeing the same data (or objective reality, if you will) in a new way.
Before you can decide on the "validity" of a process, or its role
increasing your knowledge, you have to know what questions you're asking
in the first place.

-Prof. Tim