We are so much the victims of abstraction that with the Earth in flames we can barely rouse ourselves to wander across the room and look at the thermostat.
Meaning of the quote
We are so obsessed with abstract ideas and concepts that even when the planet is in serious trouble, we struggle to get up and check the temperature in the room. The quote suggests that we are so disconnected from the real world that we fail to take immediate action, even when faced with major issues like climate change. It highlights how our focus on abstract thinking can make us ignore the urgent problems right in front of us.
About Terence McKenna
Terence McKenna was an American ethnobotanist and mystic who advocated for the responsible use of naturally occurring psychedelic plants. He spoke and wrote about a variety of subjects, including psychedelic drugs, shamanism, and the theoretical origins of human consciousness. He also formulated a concept called ‘novelty theory’ which predicted the end of time and a transition of consciousness in the year 2012.
More quotes from Terence McKenna
Animals are something invented by plants to move seeds around. An extremely yang solution to a peculiar problem which they faced.
American ethnobotanist and mystic (1946-2000)
We are so much the victims of abstraction that with the Earth in flames we can barely rouse ourselves to wander across the room and look at the thermostat.
American ethnobotanist and mystic (1946-2000)