In this episode, Brynn Anderson of Vital Force Herbs and I dive into a rare lecture from the legendary Robert Anton Wilson, recorded in the year 2000. As a companion to last week’s conversation with RAW biographer Gabriel Kennedy, this episode brings us the man himself—unfiltered, razor-sharp, and as mind-expanding as ever.
In this talk, Wilson explores the evolving philosophical and intellectual climate of the 2000's era, touching on themes of reality tunnels, cognitive flexibility, and the illusions that shape our perceptions. He delves into the interplay of science and mysticism, the hidden structures of power, and the ways in which language, belief systems, and conspiracy theories warp human consciousness. With his signature wit and profound insight, he challenges us to think beyond our conditioned assumptions and embrace the absurdity of existence with a sense of curiosity and humor.
As we listen, Brynn and I reflect on Wilson’s words in real time -taking notes for after the lecture to then unpack the deeper layers of his ideas and their relevance in today’s world. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of RAW or encountering his brilliance for the first time, this episode is an invitation to expand your perception and question the nature of reality itself. Drop In!
Robert Anton Wilson Bio:
Robert Anton Wilson (born Robert Edward Wilson; January 18, 1932 – January 11, 2007) was an American author, futurist, and self-described agnostic mystic. Recognized within Discordianism as an Episkopos, pope and saint, Wilson helped publicize Discordianism through his writings and interviews.
Wilson described his work as an "attempt to break down conditioned associations, to look at the world in a new way, with many models recognized as models or maps, and no one model elevated to the truth". His goal was "to try to get people into a state of generalized agnosticism, not agnosticism about God alone but agnosticism about everything."
In addition to writing several science-fiction novels, Wilson also wrote non-fiction books on extrasensory perception, mental telepathy, metaphysics, paranormal experiences, conspiracy theory, drugs and what Wilson called "quantum psychology".
His "Maybe Logic" inspired the creation of the Maybe Logic Academy.
“The Berkeley mob once called Leary and me “the counter-culture of the counter-culture.” I’m some kind of antibody in the New Age movement. My function is to raise the possibility, “Hey, you know, some of this stuff might be bullshit.”