Re: Prometheus Rising

mark@unicorn.com
Thu, 5 Feb 1998 11:28:00 -0800 (PST)


Anders Sandberg [asa@nada.kth.se] wrote:
>I think the upper four circuits are not very well described (that is
>of course understandable, since they are outside normal experience)
>and unverified. The fifth circuit seems to have some basis in fact,
>during my studies in various subjects I have run into it, but the
>uppermost three might just be recurring myths among psychonauts,
>nothing real or useful at all.

I'd vote for the reality of the first six (he did have the metaprogramming
circuit as number six rather than seven, didn't he?), but I'm pretty
dubious about the others, except in the most limited sense. In many
respects I preferred John Lilly's model (in 'Center of the Cyclone') for
the region beyond the fourth circuit.

BTW, those interested in this subject should probably also read Lilly's
book 'Programming and Metaprogramming in the Human Biocomputer', which
is on the Web somewhere. It's a bit of a tough read in places, but it has
a lot of interesting background information.

Mark

P.S. I'd also strongly agree with Anders' statement a few days ago about
the dangers of careless alteration of motivational systems.