I live with the notion that certain forms of manageable schizophrenias are beneficial, necessary even, for the growth of the human race. Our evolution in the meatspace realm is essentially over, or stunted (beyond the fact that we will all eventually be varying shades of brown). What's the next step for our physical selves apart from merging with technology? Are there any doors left for consciousness to unlock? Are our minds in their springs or winters?
The optimistic part of me (small and afraid like a boxed kitten) prefers positive answers. In all the plants and roots and fungus the West hasn't tasted. In all the altered states of consciousness which the shaman, among his tribe, offers tours. In the cartography of perception and imagination. I'm OPTIMYSTIC.
Shamans actually share many traits with schizophrenics. They have visions, hear voices, speak to spirits. There is some science that shows similar brain deficits (enlarged ventricles, etc.). While the crazies are overprescribed to diminish symptoms, the shamans are seen as the doctors. They willingly enter into states of 'psychosis' and commune with personalities, relaying the pertinent news. What if the symptoms of some forms of schizophrenia are actually harbingers of our mental evolution? Multiple personalities that we can control and enter in/out of at will... the capacity to master numerous arts, trades, and modes... brains able to understand and sympathize with every human point of view.
I'm not talking about some megaliberal wet dream or One Love sovereignty. I'm casting doubt on our perceived capacities, on our diagnoses, on our technological onanism. Yes, it's a bit paleo. A dash pagan. But I have a feeling we've skipped over something crucial in open-armed integration, in altering and improving ourselves via technology. We've given the mind(s) short shrift. We've relegated our prophets to padded cells or pigeon shit park benches. We are trying to outpace evolution, and so shall reap the consequences.
I'm exploring some of this in a novel, bout 3/4 through the first draft.
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