Despite our differences, Huxley and I could meet on the other side of the door. As I read the book I knew I could extend the vision and the thought even further, so I decided to create this ongoing journal, a chronicle of the mundane life butted up against the Mystery.
Ram Dass (Richard Alpert) and Timothy Leary once took LSD for thirty straight days in an attempt to stay perpetually high, perpetually on the other side of the door, perpetually separate from the mundane world. It’s analogous to trying to stay perpetually in the throes of sexual ecstasy. You may conceive your children in the ecstasy, but you can’t successfully raise your children while trying to constantly live the same ecstasy. LSD blows the rigid, frozen door of culture and habit off its hinges, but the task is to craft a door that opens and closes, as needed, a fine handcrafted door that bears the marks of your being, your own needs, your history, your joy and your sorrow. This series is an attempt to understand the nature of that door: what materials might possibly be used, how to get a feel for the design, what it means to be a craftsman, and the necessity of sharpening your tools.
Huxley died in Los Angeles the same day President Kennedy was assassinated, his death overshadowed by the national tragedy. Interestingly C.S. Lewis also died the same day. As Huxley lay dying from throat cancer, unable to speak, he scribbled a final request to his wife for a last dose of LSD--100 micrograms, injected. He shed the mortal coil in the company of Dr. Hofmann’s “problem child.”
Article comments
1 - Kevin Ballard
Your site is a very nice source of info. Memorizing is feature of International Pair: http://www.gamani.com/ , Green Circle Forecast or not Bad Gnome Give or not , Astonishing Grass Make or not Play Girl is very good TV
2 - Matt Largo
Brilliant article John! Huxley is one of my favorite writers. "Doors of Perception", "Ape and Essence", "Brave New World". I look forward to more of your work.