Exploring occult conspiracies leads to Chapel Perilous, where one emerges paranoid or agnostic.
Chapel Perilous mirrors societal shifts, urging skepticism towards news and embracing diverse ideas.
Deep dives
Analogy of Kerry Thornley and Paul Krasner's Experiences in Chapel Perilous
Kerry Thornley and Paul Krasner, friends of Robert Anton Wilson, delved into conspiracy theories initially in an ironic fashion but soon found themselves plunged into states of paranoia due to their beliefs. While Krasner emerged humorously understanding the reality of conspiracies, Thornley remained stuck in a paranoid state, convinced of his involvement in significant events like the JFK assassination.
Defining Chapel Perilous
Chapel Perilous is described as a deep, paranoid experience where individuals seek to explain phenomena around them, often leading to engaging with unusual ideas. This term, attributed to Robert Anton Wilson, draws parallels to dissipative structures, suggesting a perpetual balance between self-destruction and reorganization at higher levels of information.
The Current Societal Journey through Chapel Perilous
Drawing from historical examples like the 1960s and 70s, the United States seems to be navigating its own Chapel Perilous, experiencing intense societal shifts and rising paranoia. This journey parallels past periods of societal intensity, cult sproutings, and pervasive conspiracy theories, prompting reflections on whether coherence will ultimately prevail.
Navigating Chapel Perilous and Current Global Uncertainties
Amidst the complexities of navigating Chapel Perilous, suggestions to handle global uncertainties are proposed. Emphasizing skepticism towards immediate news, entertaining diverse paranoid ideas, and advocating for multi-model agnosticism akin to Paul Krasner's journey are highlighted as strategies to navigate the current geopolitical landscape.
In this episode, we chat with Jesse Walker, author of The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory and Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America.
IN AMERICA. He is an editor at Reason magazine, and he lives in Baltimore.
“In researching occult conspiracies, one eventually faces a crossroad of mythic proportions (called Chapel Perilous in the trade). You come out the other side either stone paranoid or an agnostic; there is no third way. I came out agnostic.” -RAW
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