Give me the scope of what’s available to talk about
The scope of topics available for discussion in the "Robert Anton Wilson" collection is quite broad and varied. It includes a wide range of subjects such as guerrilla ontology, psychedelic experiences, the Illuminati, quantum psychology, and Discordianism. Wilson's work often blends philosophy, satire, and countercultural ideas, allowing for discussions on almost any topic related to these themes.
Specific sessions and workshops offer opportunities to explore these ideas in depth. For instance, there's an "Everything You Know Is Wrong Workshop" that delves into topics challenging conventional beliefs 78. Additionally, Wilson has expressed openness to discussing any topic brought up by the audience, as indicated in various transcripts where he invites questions and topics from listeners 15.
If there's a particular area or concept within Wilson's work that interests you, I can help find relevant materials or discussions on that topic.
Id like to hear about discordianmjs
Discordianism is a central theme in Robert Anton Wilson's work, often presented with a mix of humor, satire, and philosophical insight. Here's an overview based on the collection:
1. **Origins and Nature**: Discordianism is described as a "new religion disguised as a complicated joke" 4. It was founded by Greg Hill and Kerry Thornley under pseudonyms, and it humorously positions itself as a religion that embraces chaos and discord 14.
2. **Philosophy**: The philosophy of Discordianism revolves around embracing chaos and opposing rigid order. It draws on the figure of Eris (or Discordia), the Greek goddess of chaos, confusion, and disorder. This aligns with modern critiques of bureaucracy and societal norms 6.
3. **Cultural Impact**: The movement gained global reach through the publication of works like the "Illuminatus!" trilogy and the "Principia Discordia," which helped disseminate its ideas worldwide. Discordians are spread across various countries, reflecting its international influence 2.
4. **Structure and Beliefs**: Discordianism is somewhat paradoxical in its structure. It has no centralized authority, as one of its mantras is "we discordians must stick apart" 3. Everyone is encouraged to become a "pope," symbolizing a rejection of hierarchical religious structures 6.
5. **Universal Religion**: Interestingly, Discordianism is described as a universal religion because it includes everyone, even those who oppose it. By opposing Discordianism, individuals inadvertently become part of it, as the religion is based on the concept of discord itself 9.
This blend of humor, philosophy, and social commentary makes Discordianism a unique and enduring aspect of Robert Anton Wilson's work. If you'd like to explore specific aspects or related topics, let me know!
Ok so what if I want to start a discordian church in nyc how can I do that
Starting a Discordian church in NYC aligns well with the spirit of Discordianism, which embraces chaos, humor, and a lack of rigid structure. Here are some steps and considerations based on Robert Anton Wilson's ideas:
1. **Embrace the Chaos**: Discordianism is known for its playful and chaotic nature. As Robert Anton Wilson said, "we discordians must stick apart" 5, which means that each group or individual can have their own unique interpretation and practices.
2. **Declare Yourself a Pope**: One of the foundational humorous aspects of Discordianism is that "every discordian is a pope" 1. This means you have the authority to start your own church and create your own traditions.
3. **Form Your Own Sect**: Wilson mentioned that once everyone was made a pope, people began forming "various different types of discordian sects" 4. You can create a sect with its own unique twist or theme, adding to the diversity within Discordianism.
4. **Spread the Word**: Use humor and satire to attract like-minded individuals. The idea is to have fun and challenge conventional religious structures, so creativity in outreach can be beneficial.
5. **No Central Authority**: Remember, there is no central Discordian authority to grant permission or recognition. Your church's legitimacy comes from your own declaration and the acceptance by those who choose to join you.
By following these principles, you can start a Discordian church that reflects the playful and anarchic spirit of the philosophy. If you want, I can help you draft a humorous and creative declaration for your church!
That’s great I want to incorporate non venomous snake handling and fake speaking in tounges
Incorporating non-venomous snake handling and fake speaking in tongues into your Discordian church could be a creative and symbolic way to embrace the playful and chaotic spirit of Discordianism. Here are some ideas on how to do that:
1. **Non-Venomous Snake Handling**: This could be a physical representation of the Discordian embrace of chaos and fearlessness. Drawing from the Sufi story mentioned by Robert Anton Wilson, where a Sufi taught a snake not to kill, you might use snake handling as a metaphor for confronting and embracing chaos without harm 2. Ensure that safety is a priority, using only non-venomous snakes and having experienced handlers present.
2. **Fake Speaking in Tongues**: This could serve as a humorous and symbolic ritual that parodies traditional religious practices, aligning with Discordianism's tendency to question and mock rigid structures. It could be a way to celebrate the absurdity and unpredictability of language and communication, much like the surrealistic techniques Wilson discussed 6.
3. **Creating a Ritual**: Combine these elements into a ritual that emphasizes fun, creativity, and the breaking of conventional norms. You could create a narrative or story around the ritual that highlights Discordian principles, such as the embrace of chaos, the rejection of dogma, and the celebration of individuality.
Remember, the key to Discordianism is creativity and humor, so feel free to adapt these ideas in ways that resonate with your vision for the church. If you need more inspiration or ideas on how to structure your rituals, let me know!
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