"Guerrilla ontology" is a term Robert Anton Wilson used to describe his approach to writing and philosophy. It involves challenging and disrupting conventional ways of thinking, much like how guerrilla tactics disrupt conventional warfare. Wilson explained that it signifies an intent "to attack thought and language the way terrorists attack their targets," aiming to provoke a sudden shift in perspective and then retreat with humor 3. This approach is about creating "breaching experiments" that alter people's perceptions, making them see the world in a new way 4. It's a playful yet subversive method intended to galvanize minds and encourage people to question their reality 2.
Please explain or define Fnord
The term "Fnord" is a concept popularized by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea in their "Illuminatus! Trilogy." It represents disinformation or irrelevant information that is intended to mislead or distract. In the context of the books and subsequent cultural references, "Fnord" is used to signify messages that are subliminally inserted into texts to create a sense of unease or to manipulate the reader's perception without their conscious awareness.
Wilson humorously describes how "Fnord" operates by making people subconsciously anxious whenever they see or hear the word, yet they are conditioned not to notice it consciously. This concept plays into the broader themes of control, conspiracy, and the questioning of reality that Wilson explores in his works. The idea is that by becoming aware of "Fnord," individuals can start to see through the manipulations and distractions imposed by various authorities or systems 1.
Is there any evidence to suggest that consciousness cannot die?
Robert Anton Wilson explored ideas suggesting that consciousness might not be limited to the physical body, implying it could persist beyond bodily death. He likened the brain to a receiver, suggesting that consciousness might not reside within the brain itself, much like Johnny Carson is not inside a television set 1. Additionally, studies on near-death experiences provide some support for the idea that consciousness can exist independently of the body, as individuals report experiences and observations that they could not have made if they were confined to their physical senses 1.
Wilson also discussed experiments and ideas that challenge conventional notions of death and consciousness, suggesting that consciousness might continue in some form. For example, the practice of cryonic preservation is based on the hypothesis that individuals preserved at death could potentially be revived in the future, indicating a belief in the persistence of consciousness 2.
Overall, while these ideas are speculative and not universally accepted in the scientific community, they reflect Wilson's interest in the possibility that consciousness might transcend physical death.
Tell me a silly joke!
Here's a classic for you:
"How many Freemasons does it take to change a light bulb? That's a craft secret." 4
And another one:
"How many Poles does it take to change a light bulb? No wait a minute that's no oh hell, just cut all that. That's a different joke entirely." 4
Hope that gave you a chuckle!