Ascending Quote by Terence McKenna
“Certainly neo-Platonism, Plotinus and Porphyry and that school are psychedelic philosophers. Their idea of an ascending hierarchy of more and more rarefied states is a sophisticated presentation of the shamanic cosmology, which is the cosmology that one experientially discovers when they involve themselves with psychedelics.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Evolution of Consciousness, 1995
Neo‑Platonism’s hierarchical view mirrors shamanic journeys, suggesting psychedelics reveal layers of reality.
In simple terms: Psychedelic experience shows a ladder of increasingly subtle states.
Key Takeaway
Explore inner layers through mindful psychedelic practice.
Themes
philosophy
psychedelia
spirituality
hierarchy
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Therapeutic sessions
- personal growth retreats
- creative brainstorming
- spiritual ceremonies
Key Concepts
Neoplatonism
shamanic cosmology
altered consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you integrate subtle states into daily life?
- What practices ground psychedelic insights?
A Different Perspective
Such hierarchies can be overly abstract, risking intellectualization over lived experience.
