Under the Influence

I have found the subject matter that I have read in the first three chapters to be very interesting and engaging. I think, in essence, some of the best creative works have been produced through some type of an altered state of consciousness. Musical legends, such as John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Jerry Garcia, have all produced music that was created in some type of altered state, whether it be from drugs or drinking. However, some of the most and arguably, best tracks are those created under those specific circumstances.

In the text it states that John Lennon songs, such as "I Am The Walrus" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" showed some characteristics towards shamanism. Also, the song "Purple Haze" by Hendrix is thought to be referring to some type of drug. Some say that it was written about a specific strain of marijuana, others say that it was written about a type of LSD. In interviews, Hendrix said that it was not related to any drug use, but was created from a dream that he had. Regardless of whether it was taken from a dream or not, during that time period, the 1960's, drug use was heavily popular amongst the "hippie" nation.

I found it very interesting when Hughes mentioned Multipersonality Disorder as a certain altered state of consciousness. I was curious to whether other personality disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder or an OCD individual would be considered an altered state.