fallen camarade
23rd September 2004, 13:29
In a book about occult science I was reading, a book was mentioned called "Breaking Open the Head" by Daniel Pinchbeck.
I picked it up at the nearest Barnes and Noble, and read...and read...and read. Constantly. It is by far, the best book I have ever read, and has changed my thoughts on many things.
The book's main focus is a study on the effects of chemical substances. However, restricting it to this does not do the book justice at all. It goes on to speak about shamanism past and present, history of witches, reasoning by governments for outlawing certain substances, visions Pinchbeck himself experienced while using certain substances, eastern spirituality, western spirituality, tribal initiation, the burning man festival, occultism, anthropology, neuropsychology....the list goes on. Pinchbeck writes with incredible style that I have never seen before that book. He vividly describes everything he runs into along his experiences.
Pinchbeck also seems to have a very well developed understanding of history, and of the writings of many other people that wrote on similar topics. He shows no fear in tearing apart a well known figure to substance use and study if he feels they are faulty, and is willing to spend a few paragraphs to support an author who's ideas seem indestructable, giving the reader a number of other books to read and authors to look into.
The book changed my outlook and usage of substance, neurology, and spirituality in general. I would strongly suggest that everyone read this book. If you read for the sake of knowledge, than this book in irresistable. It is chock full of interesting details in multiple fields of interest to support Pinchbeck's points without going off topic at any point in time.
Read it....you deserve to know.
I picked it up at the nearest Barnes and Noble, and read...and read...and read. Constantly. It is by far, the best book I have ever read, and has changed my thoughts on many things.
The book's main focus is a study on the effects of chemical substances. However, restricting it to this does not do the book justice at all. It goes on to speak about shamanism past and present, history of witches, reasoning by governments for outlawing certain substances, visions Pinchbeck himself experienced while using certain substances, eastern spirituality, western spirituality, tribal initiation, the burning man festival, occultism, anthropology, neuropsychology....the list goes on. Pinchbeck writes with incredible style that I have never seen before that book. He vividly describes everything he runs into along his experiences.
Pinchbeck also seems to have a very well developed understanding of history, and of the writings of many other people that wrote on similar topics. He shows no fear in tearing apart a well known figure to substance use and study if he feels they are faulty, and is willing to spend a few paragraphs to support an author who's ideas seem indestructable, giving the reader a number of other books to read and authors to look into.
The book changed my outlook and usage of substance, neurology, and spirituality in general. I would strongly suggest that everyone read this book. If you read for the sake of knowledge, than this book in irresistable. It is chock full of interesting details in multiple fields of interest to support Pinchbeck's points without going off topic at any point in time.
Read it....you deserve to know.