Im nearly done Illuminatus

[ekimdrachir]

I read Principia Discordia last year. I actually felt whole new levels of awareness snapping in my brain this last week as I am learning new things, and its all cascading, or compounding, or compressing, or something. Its pretty tough stuff to handle, and this world is more complicated than anyone dares to face. Im a bit confused on some levels. So you have the Scientists, the Freedom group ( which is the discordians, fighting against the scientists ) and theres also a nothingness group in there somewhere. Is everything else pretty much just offshoots of those three, or is there an alternative to the apple/pentagon options? Also, are humans 'cursed' to know "good and evil" because of our physiology? aka no way to escape it? maybe this question is dumb because I havent finished illuminatus already, but the last two weeks have been fucked, and this whole year has been fucked, and what the fuck!!

[Cain]

I would highly suggest you re-read Illuminatus! after you finish it.  Give it a few days to sink in and try again.  If you're not used to the writing style, certain details will escape you.

Almost everything is answered within the text, you just have to pay attention.  A notebook may also be useful.

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

I agree with Cain. Bob and Bob wrote the book in a style that in theory should force your brain to find patterns in the text in ways different than normal books. It can take some time to get used to. But in short the answer to all of your questions are "Yes", "No", "Maybe" in whatever order you would like. 

[ekimdrachir]

I was afraid of that.

[hooplala]

I second the second reading.  I understood a lot more the second time around.

[Kai]

Must be a good book then, if it deserves a second reading.

Maybe I should actually read it sometime.

[The Good Reverend Roger]

I would highly suggest you re-read Illuminatus! after you finish it.  Give it a few days to sink in and try again.  If you're not used to the writing style, certain details will escape you.

Almost everything is answered within the text, you just have to pay attention.  A notebook may also be useful.

Also, make sure to read the appendices.

[Cain]

Oh yeah, for sure.  That's where most of the explanatory information is, IMO.

[Elezar th Apostate]

I find that Illuminatus is best understood by not reading it at all.  Instead, one should tear out each page of the book and order them alphabetically by the first word(s) on each odd page, excluding titles and such.  Then flip it all over as a bundle and write down the first letter of the first word on each even page one by one.  Next, develop a simple letter-for-letter exchange decryption to translate the chaotic jumble of letters from even pages into actual words.  This is the part that tests you for at least some modicum of intelligence.  Follow the directions to the designated location and make the indicated inquiry at the service counter.  This works with the fifth printed edition of the paperback version, although I can't say I have tried any others.

Once you hear it all from someone who really understands it, it's all just so clear, so obvious, so frightening.

Elezar the Apostate

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

I read 2/3 of it and then stalled out.

[hooplala]

I find that Illuminatus is best understood by not reading it at all.  Instead, one should tear out each page of the book and order them alphabetically by the first word(s) on each odd page, excluding titles and such.  Then flip it all over as a bundle and write down the first letter of the first word on each even page one by one.  Next, develop a simple letter-for-letter exchange decryption to translate the chaotic jumble of letters from even pages into actual words.  This is the part that tests you for at least some modicum of intelligence.  Follow the directions to the designated location and make the indicated inquiry at the service counter.  This works with the fifth printed edition of the paperback version, although I can't say I have tried any others.

Once you hear it all from someone who really understands it, it's all just so clear, so obvious, so frightening.

Elezar the Apostate

I thought everyone knew this?

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

I find that Illuminatus is best understood by not reading it at all.  Instead, one should tear out each page of the book and order them alphabetically by the first word(s) on each odd page, excluding titles and such.  Then flip it all over as a bundle and write down the first letter of the first word on each even page one by one.  Next, develop a simple letter-for-letter exchange decryption to translate the chaotic jumble of letters from even pages into actual words.  This is the part that tests you for at least some modicum of intelligence.  Follow the directions to the designated location and make the indicated inquiry at the service counter.  This works with the fifth printed edition of the paperback version, although I can't say I have tried any others.

Once you hear it all from someone who really understands it, it's all just so clear, so obvious, so frightening.

Elezar the Apostate

I thought everyone knew this?

I think I saw a nearly identical statement about Joyce once before....

[ekimdrachir]

I can tell I am going to have to start at the beginning again as soon as I finish first reading. Im nearly finished the fourth trip, Hagbard and Malik are talking about whether or not they are saving the world.

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

I can tell I am going to have to start at the beginning again as soon as I finish first reading. Im nearly finished the fourth trip, Hagbard and Malik are talking about whether or not they are saving the world.

See, that book is so froody that even the characters aren't sure what they're doing. Once you get enough of TIT, you can aim for Schroedinger's Cat. It will warp your brain in entirely new and different ways, leaving you looking for Flying Rehnquist and overall, a smell of fried onions.

[hooplala]

And, of course, No Wife No Horse No Mustache.