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The consciousness-expanding drugs - the hallucinogens…

“The consciousness-expanding drugs - the hallucinogens, such as cannabis, mescaline, LSD, Psylocybin - I think are useful to a writer up to a certain point. That is, they open psychic areas that would not otherwise be available to the writer. But I feel that once these areas have been opened and…” quote by William S. Burroughs
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“The consciousness-expanding drugs - the hallucinogens, such as cannabis, mescaline, LSD, Psylocybin - I think are useful to a writer up to a certain point. That is, they open psychic areas that would not otherwise be available to the writer. But I feel that once these areas have been opened and the writer has reached them, he is able to get back there in the future without the drug.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Psychedelic substances can temporarily expand perception for writers, but lasting insight must be internalized without drugs.

In simple terms: Drugs open mind, but skill remains.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner vision.

Themes

creativity psychology addiction

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing practice
  • mindfulness
  • creative blocks

Key Concepts

neuroscience literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you sustain creativity without substances?
  • What practices replace drug‑induced insights?
A Different Perspective

Dependency can hinder authentic growth.

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