The following was inspired by a conversation in our discussion forums.

There are certain plants and so on which are sometimes termed as being entheogens. I would like to share this discussion about some aspects of the experience they produce, along with some knowledge which would be good for everyone to know; especially those who need some information on or of these things.

(Eduard:)

Let me tell you something rather important. I'm not preaching, or I at least, try to avoid such way of talking (which is, in my opinion, more like an untrue or unsound way of speaking than informing or teaching ways are). But let's get to the topic -- entheogens or psychedelics -- with a somewhat indirect but, again, in my opinion, illuminating way.

Okay, this is a philosophy forum and so I'll take an example from philosophy (although that "thing" could be very well be handled or be spoken about at almost any forum here). It is based on one philosopher's way to inform or to begin to teach, and to have a relationship (near cousin to a friendship) to a student of such a quality as that he regarded that being as cabable of studying philosophy. My example is of Ludwig Wittgenstein and his way to talk to a student.

First of all, when Wittgenstein wanted to befriend a student (and to inform that student), he would tend to invite that student to have tea and a conversation with him. That invitation always had very significant goal, namely to inform a particular student of the dangers of philosophy and especially of academic philosophy. Usually he would counsel or even encourage the student to give up studying philosophy, even when that student was fascinated with the subject. Wittgenstein would usually tell him or her to pursue some practical career or schooling. But if student stayed determined to study philosophy even after the counsel, Wittgenstein would continue to inform about the dangers of philosophizing, especially of doing such as a job or career.

Shortly thereafter, Wittgenstein would speak about those ways in which the student might go to rags and ruin while apparently following the path of truth through philosophy (espacially in an academic career). But in the case of a student named Norman Malcolm, he (Malcolm), of course, did choose philosophy and later a philospher's career in the university. He, as far as I know, didn't ruin his love of wisdom and thruth while doing philosophy in academic circles.

Malcolm would go on to write a book about his teacher. If you are interested in learning more about the unique personality of Wittgenstein, it would be good to read Norman Malcolm's Ludwig Wittgenstein: A Memoir, being a very common-sensical (not too burdened with technical terms) book about the unfamiliar, brilliant, but still very humble and strict Wittgenstein.

One good example of the honesty of Malcolm can be found in his truthful, open, and occasionally very touching description of Wittgenstein. Wittgenstein is described in Memoir in whole wideness of himself: sometimes as a very human and loving caring friend, though sometimes as a very strict and vigorous person (who easily frightens love away).

My main reason of telling tell this story is: while psychedelics (entheogens) may appear either very horrible, or yet very fascinating and even harmless substances, one must be aware of possible dangers as well as the deep knowledge and wisdom they contain, and then respect them with all their presupposed information as well as that real love and cheerfulness which they are able to bring and cause.

And I'm much talking about serious ways or manners, like the case of Wittgenstein should have shown.