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The Life, Times and Legacy of Robert Anton Wilson | Gabriel Kennedy

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Dec 7, 2024

Guest

Gabriel Kennedy

Gabriel Kennedy, an author, artist, and musician known for his biography on Robert Anton Wilson, discusses the profound influence of Wilson's life and philosophies. He reflects on his personal journey of discovering Wilson's work and the challenges of writing the biography. Topics include the significance of concepts like Chapel Perilous and general semantics, along with Wilson's impact on counterculture, conspiracy theories, and critical thinking, showcasing how his ideas resonate in today's world.

01:40:21

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ANECDOTE

First Encounter with RAW

Gabriel Kennedy first encountered Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus Trilogy in high school.
The cover, a quote about warring secret societies, and the book's humor captivated him.

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ADVICE

Biography Origins

Kennedy's journey to writing Wilson's biography began with a spontaneous interview in 2003.
This interview, facilitated by a fabricated magazine, sparked a deeper connection with Wilson's work.

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Unveiling the Intrigues of Secret Societies

01:40 • 2min

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Exploring Robert Anton Wilson's Legacy

03:50 • 10min

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Transformative Journeys and Philosophical Insights

14:10 • 11min

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The Impact of General Semantics on Robert Anton Wilson

24:52 • 29min

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Exploring UFOs and Conspiracy Theories through Wilson's Lens

53:58 • 30min

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Navigating the Complex Legacy of a Counterculture Icon

01:23:38 • 4min

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#5601

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

Chapel Perilous

The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

The New Inquisition

Robert Anton Wilson

A critical examination of the limitations and biases within scientific discourse, challenging the accepted methods of knowledge acquisition and promoting a more open-minded approach.

#23628

Everything is under control

conspiracies, cults, and cover-ups

Robert Anton Wilson

A collection of essays and articles exploring conspiracy theories, media manipulation, and the nature of reality, challenging readers to think critically and question established narratives.

#24228

Parapolitics and the Deep State

null

Peter Dale Scott

An exploration of the hidden networks of power and influence within the United States government, examining the role of intelligence agencies and covert operations in shaping political events.

#16650

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Game of Life

null

Timothy Leary

A book exploring the concept of the game of life, blending philosophy, psychology, and spirituality to offer a unique perspective on human existence and self-discovery.

#34856

Paranoid: A History of Conspiracy Theory in the United States

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Jesse Walker

#3301

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Naked Lunch

William S. Burroughs

Published in 1959, 'Naked Lunch' is a highly symbolic and surreal novel that follows the character William Lee, a heroin addict, as he navigates through various locations including New York, Mexico, and the fictional city of Interzone. The book is structured as a series of non-chronological 'routines' that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. It critiques societal norms, drug culture, and the mechanisms of control, using vivid and often disturbing imagery. The novel was the subject of obscenity trials due to its explicit content but was ultimately cleared of charges, recognizing its literary and social importance.

#4894

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The illuminatus! trilogy

Robert Anton Wilson

Robert Shea

The Illuminatus Trilogy is a complex and multifaceted work that blends elements of science fiction, satire, and conspiracy theories. The narrative is nonlinear, switching between third- and first-person perspectives, and includes a wide range of themes such as counterculture, numerology, and Discordianism. The story involves a millennia-old conflict between the Illuminati and the Discordian Society, incorporating historical references and surrealist fantasy. It features a diverse array of characters and scenarios, including talking dolphins, secret societies, and historical figures, all woven together in a style that challenges the reader's perceptions of reality and believability. The trilogy was written by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson during their time as associate editors at Playboy magazine, inspired by the paranoid correspondence they received on civil liberties.

#3027

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

Cosmic Trigger

Final Secret of the Illuminati

Robert Anton Wilson

#894

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

A People's History of the United States

1492-present

Howard Zinn

#3345

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

Gravity's Rainbow

Thomas Pynchon

Published in 1973, 'Gravity's Rainbow' is a sprawling narrative that delves into the secret development and deployment of the V-2 rocket by the Nazis. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including Lieut. Tyrone Slothrop, an American working for Allied Intelligence in London, who becomes embroiled in a mysterious connection between his erections and the targeting of incoming V-2 rockets. The novel is characterized by its complex and diverse prose, incorporating elements of history, philosophy, psychology, and science fiction. It explores themes of paranoia, the impact of technology, and the blurring of lines between reality and fiction. The novel won the National Book Award for fiction in 1974 and is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece.

#303

• Mentioned in 49 episodes

Ulysses

James Joyce

Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape.

Gabriel Kennedy joins the show to discuss Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson, the first-ever book-length biography of ol' RAW.

We explore Wilson's life, philosophy, and literary contributions. Kennedy shares his personal journey of discovering Wilson's work, the process of writing the biography, and the significance of concepts like Chapel Perilous and general semantics. The discussion also touches on the relevance of Wilson's ideas in today's world and the lasting impact of his writings on counterculture and conspiracy theories.

We're back, baby!

00:00 Introduction to Robert Anton Wilson

02:45 First Encounters with Wilson's Work

05:59 Navigating Wilson's Bibliography

08:55 The Journey to Writing a Biography

12:00 Researching Robert Anton Wilson

14:43 The Influence of General Semantics

17:48 Personal Connections and Discoveries

21:01 The Process of Biographical Writing

24:01 Understanding Wilson's Legacy

27:03 Final Thoughts on Robert Anton Wilson

44:20 The 23 Enigma and Synchronicities

49:27 Writing and Synchronicities in Biography

56:22 The Impact of Robert Anton Wilson's Work

01:02:00 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking

01:10:33 Chapel Perilous: A Journey of Discovery

NOTE: You can alternatively watch this discussion on YouTube.

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The Life, Times and Legacy of Robert Anton Wilson | Gabriel Kennedy

First Encounter with RAW

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