Altered Quote by Douglas Rushkoff
“More than anything, rave was an intentionally designed experience. The music, lighting, and ambience were all fine-tuned to elicit and augment altered states of consciousness. The rhythm of the music was precisely 120 beats per minute, the frequency of the fetal heart rate, and the same beat believed to be used by South American shamans to bring their tribes into a trance state. Through dancing together, without prescribed movements, or even partners, rave dancers sought to reach group consciousness on a level they had never experienced before.”
About This Quote
Source Article: “Rave Culture”, 2005
Rave was designed to trigger altered consciousness through precise music, light, and ambience.
In simple terms: Rave intentionally induces shared altered states.
Use sensory design to shape collective experience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- music festivals
- immersive theater
- brand experiences
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do designers have?
- How to ensure consent in shared experiences?
Manipulating consciousness raises ethical concerns.